Temporary mortuary space created in Essex
Additional mortuary space has opened in Essex today following a rise in Covid-19 related deaths
The number of mortuary spaces in Essex has increased from today, 22nd January, in response to a rising number of Covid-19 cases and deaths.
Essex County Council has secured a facility at the closed Adam and Greenwood Funeral Homes in central Chelmsford.
The additional site supplies an extra 330 spaces, bringing the total number to 1,211 across the county.
As part of the response to the pandemic, extra capacity was created at hospitals and a separate temporary mortuary was provided by not used.
So far, no additional spaces have been needed due to the enhanced capacity, but cases of Covid-19 are rising sharply across the county which has led to the decision to provide extra space.
Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor David Finch, said: "As we have all through this pandemic, we are working hard to make sure that each tragic loss is treated with dignity and care. I want to give every assurance to any of you who loses a loved one that this facility will be sensitive to that.
"We may not use it but we want to be ready in case it is needed. I would ask the public to be respectful to this facility and to continue to adhere to the Government’s guidelines."