Following community confusion witnessed online around cemetery visits during the pandemic, Neos Kosmos received confirmation on Sunday 12 April from official sources that visiting graves of loved ones was not allowed under the current COVID-19 restrictions across Australian states and territories.

However, updated guidelines were published on the same day moving from the ban to discouraging people from visiting cemeteries.

Below are the screenshots from the two factsheets with the respective publication dates stated.

Last week, Melbourne-based Father Manuel Lykopandis shared on Facebook a clarification provided by the Greater Metropolitan Cemetery Trust “that visiting grave sites to place fresh flowers and lighting the oil lamps is regarded as non essential.”

Father Lykopandis added that four people had been fined last weekend at the Keilor cemetery.

The post attracted a lot of comments, with many expressing disbelief and opposing the measure, arguing for instance that “for some, visiting their loved ones at their place of rest is what gets them through” and thus essential for mental health reasons or finding the restriction overly harsh given that going to the shops or having a haircut is still allowed.

In fact, more than 1,000 people have signed an online petition created a few days ago on change.org titled “The right to visit family members gravesite”, to be submitted to the Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews.

“We are petitioning the Government on compassionate grounds but at the same time respecting social distancing laws to enable grieving people to visit their loved ones grave sites,” the petition reads.

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Also in recent days however, a Melbourne parish shared a message reported by a Greek community media outlet, according to which visits at the cemetery are still allowed after special permission is acquired.

When Neos Kosmos had sought clarifications from the dedicated coronavirus hotline in Victoria and nationally, on Sunday 12 April afternoon, confirmation was provided that there are no exceptions under special permissions.

The official advice at the time was that the ban on visiting graves during the pandemic applies across Australian states and territories.

“We understand this can be disstressing to many people,” said the Victorian hotline respondent on Sunday, explaining that the question had been escalated to officials following community confusion and was specifically addressed.

Later on the day however, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services issued an updated factsheet on the “Impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on cemetery trusts and funerals”, stating that people are rather “encouraged to delay visiting a cemetery.”

“To stop the spread of coronavirus everyone is being asked to stay at home.

“Alternative ways to remember your loved ones while staying at home include lighting a candle or holding a virtual remembrance with family and friends,” the text reads.

Social and physical distancing restrictions still apply during such visits.

“If you do visit loved ones at the cemetery, please ensure that no more than your immediate household or two people (including you) are gathered. Physical distance has to be maintained by staying at least 1.5 metres apart.

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