Coronavirus: Mild symptoms are more serious than you think

Birmingham Airport could be turned into a temporary coronavirus mortuary for 12,000 bodies.

Police chiefs say the huge mortuary could be expanded to cope with more bodies as the grim death toll in the UK hits more than 1200.

The airport is next to Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre, which has already been discussed as a possible location for a temporary field hospital.

It is understood any airport facility could initially have space for 2500 bodies, increasing to up to 12,000, if needed.

"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," senior Birmingham coroner Louise Hunt said.

It is anticipated the new site could ultimately accommodate all deaths across the UK’s West Midlands region.

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This means it could handle deaths not related to coronavirus as regional mortuaries may close due to staffing the new facility.

"We have been in discussions with the authorities and we will of course co-operate to find a suitable location and help where we can to support the fightback against this pandemic,” a Birmingham Airport spokeswoman said.

Sandwell Council deputy leader Wasim Ali said: "In reality, we have to prepare for the worst as local councils.

"We've seen the numbers of deaths just keep rising. If it does get to that point, we have to be prepared.

"It's a big logistics operation, so we have to take that decision to start the planning.

"We really don't want to have to use it, but if we do, then it'll be available."

Mr Ali said a plan was needed because municipal mortuaries could run out of space.

This story originally appeared in The Sun and has been republished with permission