FIFE COUNCIL have issued a stark warning that funerals could be streamed live if strict rules on family members are not followed.

Funeral services at Dunfermline Crematorium are limited to immediate family in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Only six people may attend and social distancing guidelines must always be followed.

The council have warned that they could make the move to closed services if these rules are not adhered to.

Liz Murphy, service manager for bereavement services, said large groups of mourners have been gathering in the grounds during services.

She said this behaviour was not acceptable and it could force a decision to be made.

She said: "The critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households – we should not be meeting family members who do not live with us.

"We appreciate that bereavement is a very difficult time for families and friends but we must do everything we can to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe.

"Recently, large numbers of mourners have been gathering in the crematorium grounds.

"Although this is understandable, we need to remind everyone that the crematorium is open to the immediate family attending the service only. Unfortunately, if these rules are not followed, we'll move to closed services."

The council say that live-streaming services could be held as an alternative but there is not any clear plan for that yet.

Ms Murphy added: "One solution is to offer web streaming of funeral services.

"We're arranging for this to be installed in both of our crematorium chapels (Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy).

"This is a temporary system to meet the needs of the current situation and will be available shortly, with a permanent solution fully installed later.

"The message is protection of yourself, your loved ones, your community and our national health service. We also ask that you help protect our staff, funeral directors, officiants and organist."

At this time, immediate family is defined as: partner/spouse of the deceased, children (and their partners) of the deceased, parents (or carers) of the deceased, and brothers and sisters of the deceased.

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