Carlisle City Council has clarified the Government's rules on requiring face coverings at cemeteries and crematoriums.

The council, which is responsible for Carlisle Crematorium and a number of cemeteries across the city, has said that the Government expects face coverings to be worn at funerals in enclosed spaces, such as cemetery and crematorium chapels.

A Carlisle City Council spokesman said: "Last week, the Prime Minister announced that mandatory face coverings will be extended to further indoor settings from August 8.

"Government guidance has now been updated with a full list which includes ‘funeral directors’, and ‘places of worship’.

"Although neither of these categories specifically covers cemeteries and crematoria, the Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management understands that the intention is that face coverings should be worn at funerals in enclosed spaces, e.g cemetery and crematorium chapels."

The city council spokesman added that there was a recognition that the wearing of face coverings in certain situations may be impractical.

Entry to a funeral service will not be refused if attendees do not have their own face covering, as the council has ensured social distancing at services can be maintained.

"Public Health England will be updating their Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic," the spokesman continued.

"We want to keep everyone updated on these changes, that face coverings are currently advised, but that they will be required from August 8 2020, subject to any recommendations in the revised Public Health England guidance once it is published."