Cemeteries to be reopened to the public across Derry council area after decision by the Executive
Graveyards were also closed to the public in March when the lockdown measures were announced.
Two weeks ago a British minister said cemeteries should remain open to the public.
But the Executive was split on the decision.
The DUP and UUP supported a move to reopen them but Sinn Fein and Alliance disagreed.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the decision should be lead by the science.
The North’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said he saw no reason why cemeteries should remain closed.
After a meeting of the Executive this afternoon, First Minister Arlene Foster it was about “balancing public health concerns with basic human need to visit a loved one’s grave”.
The Executive was under pressure from both the public and senior church figures to reopen cemeteries.
Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops in Derry said earlier this week that the Executive should look again at its decision to shut cemeteries.
The public in Derry was also divided over the issue.
A protest was held at Derry city cemetery earlier this week over its continued closure
But others in Derry felt it should remain closed and people should stay at home until the worst of the pandemic had passed.
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