MORTUARY CAPACITY UNDER REVIEW IN RESPONSE TO CONTINUING CORONAVIRUS THREAT

Chris Blacksell: "We always hoped the day would never arrive."

WATCHDOGS are assessing the  capacity of Humberside-area mortuaries to cope with any surge in deaths. 

So says Humberside's chief fire officer, Chris Blacksell, who is also
chairman of the Humber Local Resilience Forum which
brings together agencies likely to be at the forefront of responding to emergencies - including pandemics.

“The number of confirmed cases  in this region (Yorkshire and Humber combined) is now over 1,000," says Mr Blacksell. 

"Thankfully the number of deaths is still relatively low compared to other areas of the country and across Europe. 

"We are doing everything we can to slow the spread of the virus in our region by working together, but sadly, we must accept that this figure will rise significantly in the coming weeks and months.

“We plan for every eventuality.

"Like other areas of the country, we are looking closely at the number of hospital beds likely to be required and even the capacity of local mortuaries. 

"We always hoped that the day would never arrive to even have to consider such measures as mortuary increases.

"However, we are sure that the public would prefer us to be prepared for such an eventuality and to be able to treat their lost loved ones with dignity regardless of how this situation develops."

Mr Blacksell continues:“All agencies have implemented strict procedures to minimise contamination risk to our staff so that we can continue to provide the best possible service to the public. 

"On behalf of those staff, and those other key workers in the private sector such as shop workers, delivery drivers and many more, I would like to thank the public for their co-operation and appeal for everyone to continue to demonstrate patience and support for those who are providing vital services

“Only by working closely together in these unprecedented times will we be able to save as many lives as we possibly can.”