Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services has begun live streaming funerals over the internet, according to Jon Kinn, of the Bluffton chapel. 

One local funeral service has already taken place using live streaming, he told The Icon.

This service is in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the need for social distancing in the stay-at-home guidelines set by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Funeral Director’s Association

"Those guidelines limits funeral services to 10 people or fewer, and only immediate family members,” said Kinn.

He added: “But we understand people’s desire to join together to grieve and honor their loved ones. That’s why we invested in cameras and streaming technology in all three of our chapels. 

“Now, families are able to stream funeral services if they desire so their friends and family can join the service remotely. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

According to Bob Laman, president of Chiles-Laman, "We have had thousands of people from all over the country watch the services we have streamed and share their memories and wishes with the families. 

He added: “We expect families to continue to take advantage of streaming services once this crisis is over because it allows so much more participation from those who may not otherwise be able to attend.”

Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services is currently streaming services on its Facebook page and will be adding streaming to its website in the near future.