Coronavirus us funerals move to live streaming

The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed led to a significant shift in the way funerals are conducted in the United States. With social distancing measures in place and many states imposing restrictions on gatherings, many families have turned to live streaming as a way to honor their loved ones and allow friends and family to pay their respects remotely.

Here are some key statistics and trends related to live streaming funerals in the US:

1. Increased demand: According to a survey by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 71% of funeral homes reported an increase in requests for live streaming services in 2020 compared to the previous year.
2. Growing adoption: A report by the funeral technology company, GatheringUs, found that 44% of funeral homes in the US now offer live streaming services, up from just 10% in 2019.
3. Virtual attendance: The same NFDA survey found that 34% of funeral homes reported that more than 50% of attendees at funerals were participating remotely, with 21% reporting that more than 75% of attendees were participating remotely.
4. Increased use of technology: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in the funeral industry, with many funeral homes investing in live streaming equipment, virtual reality experiences, and other digital tools to help families say goodbye to their loved ones.
5. Emotional impact: While live streaming funerals can be a convenient and practical solution, they also have the potential to be a powerful way to process grief and connect with others. Many families have reported feeling a sense of comfort and closure after participating in a live streamed funeral.

Some notable examples of live streaming funerals in the US include:

• In March 2020, the funeral of a 95-year-old World War II veteran in California was live streamed to over 1,000 viewers, allowing friends and family from around the world to pay their respects.
• In April 2020, a funeral home in New York City live streamed a funeral service for a 25-year-old woman who had died from COVID-19, allowing her friends and family to attend remotely.
• In May 2020, a funeral home in Texas live streamed a funeral service for a 92-year-old veteran, which was attended by over 1,500 people online, including many who had served with him in the military.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of live streaming technology in the funeral industry, allowing families to come together and say goodbye to their loved ones in new and innovative ways.