MOURNERS with coronavirus or symptoms or self-isolating will not able to attend funerals in Warrington.

New rules have been issued by Warrington Borough Council to help tackle rising rates in the borough – after Government guidance was changed.

As reported by the Warrington Guardian earlier this month, the guidance published by Government said people who have tested positive for Covid-19, those in isolation with symptoms and those in quarantine could now all attend funeral services.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of WBC, has asked for clarity from government and had threatened to stop bereavement services in the town to protect staff and other mourners.

But without any forthcoming, the rules in Warrington will change.

In a letter sent to funeral directors, seen by the Warrington Guardian, the council said: "In the absence of any confirmation from Government that the regulations are to be changed or any indication when a conclusion to this matter may be forthcoming, and in order to comply with other Covid measures in the borough, to suppress transmission and steam increasing infection rates, the chief executive has instruction with immediate effect the following rules will apply."

Mourners will not able to attend if they have Covid-19 symptoms, has confirmed symptoms, is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone with Covid-19 or is self-isolating due to foreign travel.

The letter added: "The decision has been taken to protect the health and safety of council staff, funeral directors, their staff and other mourners."

The guidance published by Government earlier this month stated: "The regulations allow people who have tested positive for coronavirus or have been in close contact with somebody who tested positive and should be self-isolating to leave their self-isolation for specific purposes.

"One of those specific purposes is to attend the funeral of a close family member. The regulations apply equally to those that are symptomatic or asymptomatic, whereas previous guidance stated that those showing symptoms should not attend a funeral.

"Venues therefore need to ensure that they are following current guidance on social distancing and other measures to control the spread of the virus."