Cornwall Council has confirmed that it is preparing extra graves and mortuary space to cope with increased deaths due to the coronavirus.

The council said that the works were no different to any other local authority and said that it was hoped that the extra capacity would not be required.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Cornwall Council about the issue after photographs were shared online showing newly dug graves in a Falmouth cemetery.

The Packet reported separately last month that graves were being dug at Falmouth Cemetery.

Council chief executive Kate Kennally said: “Like all local authorities we are preparing cemeteries for burials as well as mortuaries.

“We are still very much hoping that the measures such as social distancing will help curb the spread of the virus and they will not be required.”

William Geach posted a photograph of new graves dug in a cemetery in Falmouth on Facebook and said that seeing it “certainly makes you think” and urged people to “take care of each other, stay in and be safe”.

Others posted on social media said that similar graves had also been prepared in other cemeteries across Cornwall.

Cornwall Council leader Julian German paid tribute to those who have lost friends and relatives, not just to Covid-19, but for any reason during the lockdown period.

He said: “People are losing their loved ones to coronavirus and our thoughts are with their friends and family at this time.

“My thoughts are also with those who have lost loved ones not to coronavirus as they have not been able to mourn them during this time.”

Restrictions have been placed on funerals which limit the number of people who can attend services and social distancing guidelines have to be maintained.

The Church of England has banned church funeral services and only immediate family members can attend burials.

Coronavirus restrictions mean that people are unable to travel leaving them unable to say goodbye.

Cllr German paid tribute to people working in bereavement services for continuing to provide support to people and “treating them with dignity and respect”.