It has been announced that any funeral service must be limited to 10 attendees.

The measure is part of restrictions to try and curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued guidance to the Irish Association of Funeral Directors.

It advises that funerals can be held privately behind closed doors with family and close friends.

But there should be no public advertisement of funeral arrangements - in print or online.

However death notices can be placed without arrangements.

There should also be no condolence book or  pen at the funeral, and any public reposing should be discouraged - as should funeral home gatherings.

The association says family gatherings should be by invite only.

Social distancing must also be maintained with no handshaking or hugging.

Members of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors handle almost 80% of funerals across the country every year.

Colm Kieran is spokesperson for the association.

He told Newstalk Breakfast: "We welcome the fact that we've now gotten clarity from the Government in terms of attendance at funeral masses and services.

"Our concern up until yesterday was that potentiality what was on the table was the cancellation of all funeral masses and services."

"But thankfully it means for COVID funerals and non-COVID funerals that we can still maintain a funeral mass for the immediate family".

This advice applies to funeral masses, cemeteries and crematoriums - however some smaller spaces may implement their own restrictions.

In terms of COVID-19 specific funerals, Mr Kieran said it is not recommended to have open coffins, embalming or wakes in home settings.

"We wish that these restrictions weren't in place, but unfortunately we have to respect the advice of the HSE.

"And we're calling on all funeral professionals working in the industry to respect the advice of the HSE".