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University Hospitals using refrigerated trailers to help supplement morgues during COVID-19 pandemic

With funerals delayed, UH says it is seeking to ensure the 'continued respect and dignity of impacted families.'

PARMA, Ohio — On Wednesday, workers at University Hospitals Parma noticed an unusual sight. A refrigerated semi-trailer was dropped off at the facility.

3News reached out to UH for clairification and a spokesperson confirmed that with funerals in the area being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trailers are being used at several of its hospitals to help supplement the hospitals' morgues in the most respectful way possible. UH adds that the trailers are not only being used for COVID-19 patients. 

It's important to note that this is not the first time that hospitals have used refrigerated trailers for body storage. When they have approached maximum capacity during situations such as the recent opioid crisis, trailers have been brought in. 

Here is the complete statement from University Hospitals given to 3News:

Since many funerals are being delayed, University Hospitals is ensuring the continued respect and dignity of impacted families. As a precaution, refrigerated truck trailers have been located at several of our hospitals for temporary service and are not only for COVID-19 patients.

Credit: Devin Lamb

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