LIMITED numbers of mourners and loved ones will be able to attend burials and cremations across Teesside.

Curbs on public gatherings to stem the spread of coronavirus have seen new measures drawn up by councils.

All social events, including weddings and Christenings, are to be stopped in response to the pandemic, but funerals can still go ahead.

Government instructions have urged no more than eight people attend services – and that includes funeral staff and the person leading the service.

Stockton Council says ceremonies at its Junction Road crematorium would include restrictions of eight people in the chapel and eight people outside the chapel.

For burials in the borough, only immediate family members will be able to attend at gravesides – and graveside services will be limited to 15 minutes per burial.

A council spokesman added: “Our Bereavement Services office is closed to the public except by appointment only.

“We cannot handle applications for memorials and the testing of memorials, as well as the collection and scattering of cremated remains, but we can assure families that cremated remains will be kept safe and secure.

“Non-essential services such as family history searches will cease until further notice.”

Tighter measures to ensure social distancing during the outbreak have been rolled out across the nation.

People should leave home only to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary”, to shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs.

Police and local authorities will have powers to disperse gatherings of more than two people.

Officials in Redcar and Cleveland say the register office is still running in the borough on an “appointment only basis”.

The Kirkleatham Memorial Park and Crematorium is privately run by funeral firm Memoria.

A council spokeswoman said burials were still taking place in the borough with a maximum of eight people.

She added: “Cremations will be taking place, but burials of ashes will stop for now, to minimise people congregating.

“Ashes will be kept at the crematorium until a ceremony or burial can be booked at a later date.”

In Middlesbrough – cemeteries and Teesside Crematorium, on Acklam Road, are closed to the public. The chapel of remembrance is also shut.

Funeral services in the chapels at Teesside Crematorium will be limited to a maximum of eight people – and those attending services must observe social distancing guidance and stand two metres apart.

Appointments to scatter ashes are temporarily suspended – as are appointments to fix sanctum plaques into place with families present.

However, staff can place the ashes inside when asked before fixing the plaque securely and letting families know when it’s in place.