Mourners can visit loved ones at graves in locked down NSW, authorities say
Authorities in locked down New South Wales say cemeteries can remain open for families to pay their respects at graves.
The confirmation comes after families said they were being turned away by security guards at Rookwood Cemetery in Lidcombe, Sydney's largest burial site.
One grieving father, Michael – who lost his three-year-old son in a car accident a few years ago – told Ben Fordham on 2GB that he usually visits his grave daily but had been unable to since last week.
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"I'm allowed to go ride my bike, I'm allowed to walk through there, but I can't stop see my loved one," he said.
"It's affecting my family really bad. We've been being held to hell since it happened and we're still there, it's getting worse.
"I've got his birthday coming up and I don't want to miss it."
NSW Health said in a statement: "People are permitted to leave home for compassionate reasons. In certain circumstances, such as an anniversary of a deceased child, or where a close family member has recently died, visiting a gravesite would be considered compassionate."
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Mourners have reportedly been turned away from Rookwood Cemetery during lockdown. Steven Siewert
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller also told the radio program police had not asked for cemeteries to close.
"I would ask if they do open that you can try and do it in singles if possible," he said.
Security staff pictured monitoring visitors at Rookwood Cemetery. Janie Barrett
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An online petition started last week by Angelique Jasli calling on Rookwood Cemetery to open for visits attracted more than 10,000 signatures.
Rookwood Cemetary said this afternoon it introduced a two-person policy which it believes will be keeping in line with the health orders.
The cemetery is working with police to ensure compliance.
Cemetery security will have the job of ensuring compliance on the 300-hectare site, as opposed to police patrols.
Masks are also required in line with the health orders.
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