Thousands visit reopened cemeteries across NW

It’s believed a sizeable majority of these people visited Derry’s City Cemetery over two days last weekend.

Cemeteries across the region reopened to the public on Saturday afternoon last following a decision by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Graveyards were closed to the public in March due to COVID-19 lockdown measures.

However, on Friday last, the Executive agreed to reopen cemeteries following calls from the public.

Council says all its cemeteries were extremely busy over the weekend.

Restrictions relating to the number of people accessing the sites at the same time were in place while signage, reminding people of their responsibilities on social distancing, were erected across all locations.

However, concerns have been expressed about the activities of some people visiting Derry’s City Cemetery.

One visitor told the ‘Journal’: “I went up to say a quick prayer at the grave of my mother who passed away a month ago. I was there for no longer than five minutes. However, as I made my way out of the cemetery, I saw three people in deck chairs at one grave and a group of about seven or eight at another grave. I also noticed numerous people arriving with lawnmowers to cut the grass. That’s not acceptable. People need to understand that we are in the middle of a serious public health situation here. It’s not a day out.

“It’s this sort of foolish behaviour that will result in the cemeteries being closed again.”

Derry Mayor Michaela Boyle has thanked the public for adhering to the guidelines when visiting cemeteries but urged people not to be complacent.

She said it was important that people continued to take note of government advice to stay at home where possible and only to go out for essential travel.

For those who feel the need to go to the cemetery, she said it was important they adhered to social distancing guidelines and to be aware of other visitors who may also want to visit their loved ones.

She encouraged the public to plan their visit to cemeteries within the allocated opening hours and, where possible, to be mindful of the length of time they spend during each visit.

“By doing this, we are protecting lives and preventing the spread of COVID-19,” she said.

“Let us continue to work together over the coming days and weeks and continue to protect the people that we love.

“I sincerely hope that the reopening of cemeteries and burial grounds will provide some comfort for people at this difficult time,” added the Mayor.

The public is reminded that the cemeteries will continue to be open to the public from 2.30pm to 9pm daily with no public access in the mornings to allow for funerals and maintenance works.