Those grieving the death of their loved ones will be advised against physically consoling each other due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Social distancing guidelines have been advised by experts that suggest people should space out and where possible give each other up to two metres of space.

Alternative greetings have also been one suggestion to stop the spread of the virus.

Now because of the illness, mourners attending funeral services will not asked not to be too close to each other.

The Westerleigh Group - one of the largest operators of private crematoriums in the UK - introduced the strict social distancing measures for all future funerals as fears over COVID-19 intensify.

People attending funeral services will no longer be able to embrace each other (stock image above)

The Westerleigh Group (pictured above) - one of the largest operators of private crematoriums in the UK - introduced the strict social distancing measures

The virus has already killed 108 people in the UK and there have been 2,626 confirmed cases.

A spokesman said: 'We are not restricting the number of mourners, but we are asking everyone to observe a sensible space between each other when they attend a service.

'We are also asking for anyone who has the symptoms of the coronavirus not to attend any services.

'We want to reduce the chances of the virus being passed on.

'We will ask mourners to avoid hand-shaking and hugging, which we understand is difficult at such a time, and we will also be encouraging hand-washing at the facilities we have made available.'

In a statement the company said: 'We are monitoring the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) very closely and will continue to adhere to the Government’s advice in our ongoing planning. Our aim remains to offer the best possible service to the bereaved whilst ensuring that we are prepared for any further escalation in the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

'The safety and wellbeing of our staff, our Funeral Director colleagues and the public are of paramount importance. We have already implemented a number of measures to help mitigate risk, and we will continue to review the situation in line with Government advice'.

The guidance has been passed on to all local funeral directors over the changes although the company stressed that the number of services will not be reduced.

The Westerleigh Group was established in 1992 with the development of a 25-acre site in Westerleigh, Bristol.

Since then the company's portfolio has grown to sites on the outskirts of towns and cities across the UK.

The company looks after more than 40,000 funerals each year.

The implementation of social distancing by the company comes as people across the country, especially in London, were criticised for still using pubs, bars and restaurants, despite the government advising against unnecessary activity.

One funeral director today claimed he would be offering live streams of cremation services.

Martin and Elizabeth Rowley (pictured above with their dog) are offering to pay the £62 fee that is usually charged for an online broadcast of their services

Martin Rowley, who runs Rowley & Sons, in York, is offering to pay the £62 fee which York Crematorium usually charges for services to be broadcast online.

Mr Rowley, who has run his family business for the last seven years said it would help grieving relatives say goodbye to their loved ones even if they are self-isolating.

Mr Rowley, said: 'We have decided to do this so that there's no need for families to have extra costs.

'There has been no increase in business as such although that will probably happen.

'The biggest impact on our businesses has been uncertainty from families who come to us and ask whether the funeral will go ahead or not or if there are restrictions.

'Anyone who is vulnerable or self-isolating can at least watch the service.

'We also have a small chapel of rest so if mourners felt they didn't want to go to the crematorium, they are welcome to have the service here and have a more intimate service.'

Mr Rowley, who undertakes 230 funerals a year, added that he had been in discussions with the City of York Council after fearing that they may want to restrict the number of people that are at a funeral.

He added: 'This is why live streaming is important.'

Speaking of how Coronavirus could affect funerals, Mr Rowley said: 'The actual cremation service will continue and will not be affected at all, it's an essential service that is necessary at all times.

'You could argue that it's going to be necessary over the next few months.'

He said he expects there to be an increase in calls for the live streaming of services, and that other funeral directors in York are offering a similar service.