QC creates ‘mobile morgue’ as COVID-19 deaths mount

The Quezon City (QC) government has created a “mobile morgue” to temporarily house bodies that are awaiting cremation.

According to a 24 Oras report by Saleema Refran on Tuesday, the Baesa Crematorium has cremated 140 bodies since March 24, including 13 which were confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

Since COVID-19 hit QC, the local government noted that at least 10 families go to their one-stop-shop to process death certificates every day.

As deaths continue to mount due to the pandemic, QC has converted a 40-foot-tall refrigerated container van into a mobile morgue that can house 40 to 45 bodies.

“‘Pag improperly stored ang mga katawan, mas mataas ‘yung risk na kumalat ‘yung virus at ito po ‘yung iniiwasan nating mangyari,” city building official Atty. Dale Perral said.

“Ayaw nating napababayaan lang kung saan saan ang mga bangkay no'ng mga sumakabilang buhay,” assistant city administrator Alberto Kimpo added.

As of late Monday night, QC has recorded 1,261 COVID-19 cases with 125 deaths and 155 recoveries. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News