Mortuary being built at Birmingham Airport ready for rise in Covid-19 deaths

West Midlands Police have said that a temporary morgue is being built at Birmingham Airport ready for the expected rise in coronavirus deaths.

Construction work has started at the airport which will be able to hold room for 1,500 bodies and it is expected to be able to hold more.

Senior Birmingham Coroner Louise Hunt said, “We understand that it is a very difficult time for everyone and we will do all that we can to make sure bereaved families understand what is happening to their loved ones and to release them for funeral as soon as we can.”

West Midlands Police has said it is “vital that the right facilities are in place to ensure we give the utmost dignity and respect at all times to those who die as a result of this illness.”

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said, “Birmingham Airport can confirm that it is working with the authorities to provide land and a hangar for a temporary mortuary site at the Elmdon side of Birmingham Airport, to support with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This mortuary is anticipated to accommodate the deceased from across the region, including those not related to coronavirus. Birmingham Airport will do its utmost to support this multi-agency response during these difficult times.”

According to NHS officials one in ten Britons could end up in hospital with coronavirus, who are drawing up a “battle plan” to try an stop the deadly outbreak.

The Guardian newspaper has reported that under the government’s emergency guidelines, to be published next week, military doctors and nurses, Red Cross and St John Ambulance workers could be bought in to help the NHS.

Nickie Aiken, Conservative MP for London and Westminster, confirmed that London’s Hyde Park will be turned into a morgue should the outbreak continues to escalate.

The Daily Telegraph reported that around 70% of Brits may catch coronavirus and around 15% could be placed in hospital.

The Department of Health announced on Friday, “As of 9am 27 March, a total of 113,777 have been tested, 99,198 negative.”

There are now 14,579 people across the UK with coronavirus. The UK total deaths now stands at 769, up by 168 in 24 hours, up by 31%.