Makeshift morgue set up in Glasgow as dead toll rises due to coronavirus

A temporary mortuary able to accommodate up to 1,700 bodies is being created in Glasgow.

A warehouse at Hillington Industrial Estate is currently being turned into a temporary morgue to help deal with rising death tolls during the coronavirus pandemic.

Glasgow City Council plans to have the facility ready to open by Monday, if required.

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A council spokeswoman said: “Like all local authorities across the UK, Glasgow, alongside key partners including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, is looking at various options for dealing with increased deaths as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Workmen are seen at a warehouse on an industrial estate in Glasgow which is currently being converted into a body storage facility to accommodate up to 1,700 bodies during the Coronavirus crisisWorkmen are seen at a warehouse on an industrial estate in Glasgow which is currently being converted into a body storage facility to accommodate up to 1,700 bodies during the Coronavirus crisis
Workmen are seen at a warehouse on an industrial estate in Glasgow which is currently being converted into a body storage facility to accommodate up to 1,700 bodies during the Coronavirus crisis

“We are monitoring on a daily basis the impact of Covid-19 against our planning models for the pandemic, including potential requirements for a temporary body storage facility.

“As part of this planning, a site has been identified and we are working towards making this facility ready for use should it be needed.”

Temporary mortuary provisions have also been put in place elsewhere in Scotland for use if needed during the pandemic.

A facility has been built at Edinburgh's Mortonhall crematorium, with another at Macmerry Industrial Estate, Tranent, East Lothian.

The new mortuary in Glasgow is one of a number set up across Scotland amid an increase in deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemicThe new mortuary in Glasgow is one of a number set up across Scotland amid an increase in deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic
The new mortuary in Glasgow is one of a number set up across Scotland amid an increase in deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Perth and Kinross Council has developed temporary mortuary facilities at the Inveralmond Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Perth, while a military hangar at Kinloss Barracks, Moray, is on standby for use.

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