COVID-19 (coronavirus) cemeteries update

Introduction

Opening hours in our cemeteries may vary during COVID-19 (coronavirus). 

Opening hours

Burial arrangements

Burial arrangements are in place at our cemeteries:

• Following recent changes in government guidelines a maximum of 30 mourners can now be present at the burial.
• Everyone present must follow social distancing guidance  – you should not attend if you are symptomatic or self-isolating.
• Mourners will be asked to stand five metres away from the grave. Cemetery staff will be wearing personal protective equipment.
• Commitals will be limited to 15 minutes.
• In order to keep everyone safe mourners are asked to leave the graveside immediately after the committal, and avoid any contact with each other.
• If the family wants to live stream the burial, they can do this if the funeral director and faith representative agree and it does not cause a delay in the committal. 
• The burial or scattering of cremated remains has resumed across all sites.
• We recognise this is a distressing time for anyone who has lost a loved one. These measures are being put in place to protect staff who are carrying out this critical service, and also to protect members of the public.
• We would like to express our sincere sympathy to all those who are bereaved in these very difficult circumstances.

Work on memorials

The processing of applications for new memorials and additional inscriptions has resumed.

All applications will be completed electronically and site visits will be by appointment only. Please email cemeteries@belfastcity.gov.uk or call the Cemeteries Office on 028 9027 0296.

Bereavement Services

Our Bereavement Services Office is closed to the public, including funeral directors. Please telephone 028 9027 0296 for more information.

Roselawn crematorium

Roselawn Crematorium

We have closed the chapel and facilities at City of Belfast Crematorium to mourners.

Cremations will be carried out and a maximum of 30 mourners can now be present at a short outdoor committal at the front of the Crematorium Chapel, outside the main building.

We are working with funeral directors, undertakers and faith groups to make sure that bereaved families are aware of these new measures and are given support at this difficult time. We understand that families may want to make alternative arrangements to hold a service or ceremony elsewhere.

We would like to express our sincere sympathy to all those who are bereaved in these very difficult circumstances.

Arrangements for collecting cremated remains from Roselawn Cemetery

Cremated remains can be collected by the Funeral Director. Or, families may collect remains by appointment. Collection times are currently limited to Saturdays, from 3pm - 4pm, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm - 6pm. Families will need to make an appointment by ringing the Crematorium Office on 028 9044 8342. Cremated remains can only be collected by the person named on the applicant’s instructions to crematorium form.  Photographic ID is also required.

Please call 028 9044 8342 to arrange an appointment.

When you come to collect:

• Please go to the external entrance door at the Floral Hall and call 028 90 448342. A member of staff will bring the cremated remains to you.
• Stay by the entrance door and maintain social distancing of two metres while the door is open.  ID can be viewed through the glass.
• You will not be required to sign anything.  Our crematorium staff will record the name and date within the register.

The burial or scattering of cremated remains has resumed across all sites.