Temporary morgue set up "in case" it gets worse

Temporary morgues could be set up in the area as it emerged one is being created in Llanelwedd to prepare the county for a Coronavirus worst-case scenario.

Last night, pictures appeared on Facebook of refrigerated lorry containers arriving at the show ground village, and authorities have confirmed that “additional temporary mortuary facilities” are being created.

One of the posts appeared to be from a lorry driver who stated that he had been told to drop off a refrigeration unit at the showground and return solo.

“Basically preparing for the storm that could hit us in two weeks’ time,” he wrote, before warning people to stay home.

Despite only 16 people testing positive in Powys so far (as of 10.30am, Friday), health chiefs have continued to drill home the key Government messages and said the mortuary is part of its wider planning in case the pandemic takes a stronger local grip.

MyNewtown and MyWelshpool has been told that discussions are ongoing about local buildings, such as leisure centres and schools, also being used as emergency medical centres.

Alison Bulman, Corporate Director (Children & Adults), Powys County Council, said: “We encourage everyone to stay at home, protect the health and care system, and save lives. We all have a role to play in reducing the spread of infection, and helping to make sure that public services can support us.

“But this is a moment of national emergency, and this also means that we need to take additional action to prepare for the challenges we may face in future. For this reason, we have taken the decision to put in place additional temporary mortuary facilities in Llanelwedd. This means that we can be confident that we have capacity in place to provide dignity in death.

“Our shared ambition must be that we do not need to use them. This means that everyone must play their part by staying home and saving lives.”