Social distancing rules and people forced into self-isolating, if they or a family member has coronavirus symptoms, have led to people unable to attend funerals of family during the lockdown.

While other events can be postponed, until a later date after the lockdown is lifted, funerals have to be carried out and many people will miss attending a family member or friends funeral.

It has led to concerns that people are delaying holding funerals in the hope that restrictions may be eased or until those self-isolating are able to attend.

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However, the interim Chief Medical Officer has said people need to arrange funerals as normal to prevent a backlog and the services unable to cope.

And he said the measures would be in place for some time so holding off for a few days or a week will not make any difference.

Gregor Smith, interim CMO, said there was anecdotal evidence that families were delaying services as only immediate family are allowed to attend, up to a maximum of 20.

Dr Smith said that as well as coronavirus cases people continue to die of other causes and it is important to arrange funerals as soon as possible even though it will be difficult to deal with.

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He said: “I know it is difficult. What we are seeing is anecdotal evidence of people delaying (funerals) so they can have more people there.

“what that does across the country is as more people try to take this view, you get a backlog of funerals trying to take place.

“There is a need for the process to be completed in as timely a way as possible.”

He said the measures were going to be in place for a “considerable time” as he urged people to arrange funerals “as normal without delay”.

For funerals taking place at Glasgow City Council cemeteries and crematoriums the instructions are: “Only immediate family will be permitted to attend crematorium and gravesides with the limit currently being set at 20. All are advised to follow social distancing guidelines.”

The rules will be monitored by council staff.

The guidance came as Nicola Sturgeon revealed the latest update on Covid-19 deaths and hospitalisations.

On Easter Monday she said there were now 575 deaths where there had been a positive coronavirus test, an increase of none on the day before.

The First Minister, however said the figure would likely be higher with fewer cases registered over the holiday weekend.

There were now 6067 positive tested cases, up by 155 and 1797 in hospital an increase of 42.

There was a decrease of ten in the number who were in intensive care to 211, but the First Minister said these should also be treated with caution.

In Glasgow the latest information was that positive cases increased to 1486, with 583 in hospital and 74 in intensive care.

Ms Sturgeon said the lockdown measures, which entered their fourth week, were due to be reviewed this week but that people should not expect them to be lifted as there was no evidence to suggest that would be effective at this stage.

She said: “I won’t give people expectation the restrictions are going to be eased at the end of the week.

“As we are able to, we will do that as quickly as possible.”

She said the measures were working an need to be maintained.