FACE coverings are now a requirement for those in attendance at funerals at St Helens Crematorium, the council has said.

As of Saturday, August 8, face masks are now mandatory for residents attending a funeral ceremony at St Helens Crematorium, following new Government guidance.

The coverings may be removed when delivering a reading or eulogy, as other coronavirus control measures will still be in place.

The wearing of face coverings does not replace the need for social distancing and regular hand washing.

There are a number of exemptions for people who do not need to wear a face mask.

READ > Farm shop closes after staff member tests positive for coronavirus

These include children under the age of 11 and people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability.

The Government announced that a series of places will require the wearing of a face mask from August 8. Among those included are bingo halls; cinemas; community centres; concert halls; funeral directors; indoor entertainment venues; libraries; massage centres; museums; galleries; aquariums; indoor zoos nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers; places of worship; premises providing professional, legal or financial services; public areas in hotels and hostels; tattoo and piercing parlours; theatres and veterinary services

  • For full guidance on when and where to wear a face covering, and resources to help make one, visit gov.uk/coronavirus .