The temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport has reopened.
The facility originally opened in April last year but closed in September as deaths from Coronavirus reduced.
However, as infection rates have increased and hospital admissions have risen, the mortuary is reopening to take the pressure off the NHS and relieve storage at hospitals.
Senior Coroner Louise Hunt said: “Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones at this difficult time. I want to stress that dignity and respect for the deceased and the bereaved continues to be our primary consideration.
“The reopening of the temporary mortuary will not impact on our ability to provide the right level of service to all families and we remain focussed on the humanitarian and faith needs of all those involved.
“We will continue to review the need for the temporary mortuary weekly.”
The facility is a collaboration between the eight local authorities and three coroners which make up the West Midlands and Warwickshire region and operates with the support of Birmingham Airport, West Midlands Police & Warwickshire Police.