By Dan Wood
The Changes have been made in response to the UK-wide Lockdown
In the next weeks and months to come, funerals in Kirklees will be done differently due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Memorials will need to be ordered online or via funeral directors.
Reception desks at council-run crematoria in Huddersfield and Dewsbury will close to the public.
Burials and cremations will still go ahead. However, services will be webcast for free to allow people to participate from home if they wish.
Hymnbooks will also be removed from chapels to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
Mourners can still attend funerals in person, but they are urged to follow social distancing protocol and keep away from vulnerable people.
This includes people over 70 and with underlying health issues.
These protocols have taken place with immediate effect.
The Director of Public Health for Kirklees Council, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, said: “These are unprecedented times, and we are having to look at how we can continue to provide essential services in a way which minimises the risk to the general public and also our staff.
“These necessary and sensible changes, consistent with the latest guidance from the government, and which we hope will contribute to keeping everyone safe.
“On behalf of the council, I would like to thank all residents for their cooperation.”
Families wishing to order memorials online can go to: kirklees.gov.uk/bereavement