Council bosses are working on plans to live stream funeral services for families unable to attend due to coronavirus.
Funerals, burials and cremations are still being carried out in Sunderland during the COVID-19 outbreak, but with restrictions in place to comply with social distancing rules.
Last month it was even announced Sunderland Crematorium, in Chester Road, would open seven days a week to cope with increased numbers.
And now documents released by Sunderland City Council have shown bosses on Wearside are considering a contract for services to be broadcast.
This could see a deal signed with software firm Orbitus for ‘hardware, software and fees for accessing live streamed music and video for users of Sunderland crematorium’.
It adds this is specifically to ‘mitigate restrictions in public access during the current Covid-19 pandemic’.
A council spokesman confirmed live streaming proposals are in the ‘planning stages’, with more details to be announced ‘shortly’.
Neighbouring Durham County Council already had webcasting technology in place at its crematoria.
Like Sunderland, the county has also placed restrictions on the number of mourners allowed at funeral services to comply with social distancing guidelines.
But the fee for accessing broadcasts has also been temporarily waived in County Durham as a ‘gesture of support to those families having burials or cremations’.
Graham Harrison, Durham County Council’s bereavement services manager, said: “The streaming function has been well received as it has been of comfort to those family members who have not been able to attend services due to the restrictions.”
