SAULT STE. MARIE -- The COVID-19 pandemic has forced funeral homes in Sault Ste. Marie to get creative when delivering services.
Arthur funeral home has long provided online streaming as an option, but its general manager says requests for the service have increased.
"Being able to offer them the opportunity to tape it and then people view it, it's definitely come in handy for a few people," said Joni Cooks.
Funerals have been regulated by the province to have a maximum of 50 people.
The option of video-streaming is becoming more crucial by the day for families that don't want to downsize or postpone.
"We've had to take into account that that's not always easy," said Cooks.
"With people being isolated, they're not even able to come out, so it's just really nice that they're able to show their support to the family."
Northwood Funeral Home is also offering web-streaming for families, free-of-charge, in the wake of COVID-19.
Both funeral homes say the pandemic hasn't impacted how they perform services, but are encouraging physical distancing by asking for "private" visitations.
