Cemeteries across Northern Ireland are to be re-opened after the Executive agreed to lift restrictions.
First Minister Arlene Foster made the announcement today.
"This is about balancing public health concerns with the basic human need for people to visit their loved ones," she said, adding it remains important for the public to heed advice and respect social distancing and wash their hands after being in public.
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Mrs Foster mentioned her party colleagues Edwin Poots and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who recently lost their fathers, as well as former Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan whose daughter recently died, as among those grieving at this time.
However, she said current restrictions over wakes and funeral gatherings remain in place.
"We both know that a lot is being asked of the bereaved at this time... but we would not be asking you to respect these restrictions if it were not literally a matter of life and death," she said.
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Belfast City Council said Roselawn and City Cemetery will initially open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
"This will allow people to visit the sites outside of ‘normal’ business hours while burials and cremations are taking place," a spokesman said.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council announced that its cemeteries will be open from tomorrow morning.
The council said its cemeteries would open from 10am to 4pm every day.
"Public health guidelines and advice will be signposted at all cemeteries, with staff present at our main graveyards," it said.
"Council staff will control access during any burials to ensure the utmost respect and dignity for grieving families.
"Visitors should follow the strict guidelines on protecting public health by adhering to social distancing and staying at least two metres away from another person while attending a cemetery, unless with members of their own household.
"No one should visit a cemetery if they or a member of their household is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus."
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