Cemeteries now open to the public across Derry council area after decision by the Executive
Derry City and Strabane District confirmed the details to BBC Radio Foyle.
Cemeteries were closed to the public in March when the lockdown measures were announced as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.
There had been pressure on councils reopen cemeteries after a British government minister said over three weeks ago they should be open to the public.
Last week, people protested at Derry City Cemembery for graveyard to be opened again to the public.
The Stormont Executive was split over cemeteries with the DUP and UUP saying they should be opened again while Sinn Fein and Alliance disagreed. The SDLP said the decision should be led by the science.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said he saw no reason why cemeteries needed to remain shut.
On Friday, the Stormont Executive bowed to the public pressure and agreed they could reopen.
Derry City and Strabane District Council announced its cemeteries would reopen from 2.30 pm to 9 pm
Connor Canning of Derry City and Strabane District Council told Radio Foyle: “We had approximately 7,000 visitors to all of our sites, with the majority to the City Cemetery in Derry.
A protest held at Derry city cemetery earlier last week over its continued closure
Seven council-owned cemeteries reopened on Saturday with a number of social distancing measures in place.
The cemeteries are closed until 2.30 pm to allow for funerals to take place across the city and district.
Tags: