Funerals at Newcastle’s West Road Crematorium will be screened live online to help family members who are unable to attend because of the coronavirus lockdown.
The number of mourners attending funerals in the city has been limited to just 20 because of social distancing rules to slow the spread of Covid-19.
But Newcastle City Council has announced that a new service will be launched from Thursday, April 30, allowing people to watch services from home.
The livestream service, which will be done via a private website link given to families, will only be available at the West Road Cemetery’s two chapels.
The cemetery had closed to the public earlier this month because of lockdown measures, but reopened last week after the council reversed its decision.
Coun John Paul Stephenson, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and public health, said: “While social distancing is essential to protect the NHS and save lives, we appreciate it can be heartbreaking for people unable to attend funeral services.
“While web streaming is no substitute for saying our final goodbyes, it is the next best thing, so our officers in bereavement services were tasked with coming up with an alternative for the public.
“I commend them for introducing this service so quickly during these challenging times and I hope it gives some comfort to family, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
“I would also like to thank the public for their understanding. The overwhelming majority have accepted the restrictions on attending funerals and see it as part of the strange times we live in. I hope our new service will help them with the grieving process.”
The streaming offer will continue after the coronavirus crisis has passed and will be free until the end of this year, though families will be able to pay for a 28-day download of the service or a keepsake DVD copy.
Cameras at the back of both chapels at the West Road will focus on the lectern, the coffin, and the first two rows of seating.
Families can arrange to use the online service through their funeral directors.
The council says there are currently slightly more funerals taking place in the city than normal, up to 21 per day at the West Road Cemetery rather than the usual 12 to 16.
