Assurance has been offered over Fife’s mortuary capacity to cope with an increase in deaths due to Covid-19.
In Spain the Palacio de Hielo ice rink in Madrid has been taken over as a makeshift morgue and work has started on creating a temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport.
However, rumours Fife Ice Arena in Kirkcaldy could be used for the same purpose were quashed by NHS Fife.
The health authority’s medical director Dr Chris McKenna said: “In Fife, we have well-rehearsed plans for the eventuality of a large scale pandemic and over recent weeks such plans have been enacted.
“While we do expect to see a greater mortality rate in the coming months as a result of Covid-19, Fife has a sufficient mortuary capacity relative to the size of the Kingdom.
“Nationally, a number of options are being considered should mortuary capacity require extending further.”
Dr McKenna also urged Fife residents to continue to obey government advice to stay at home, to help it care for the vulnerable and most unwell.
He said: “Our efforts currently are concentrated very much on slowing the spread of the virus – flattening the curve as it has become known – so that we can dedicate our resources to caring for those who are most acutely unwell and who require the most intensive levels care.
“We really need the people of Fife to do their bit in helping us safeguard the most vulnerable in our society.
“The virus can be carried, and indeed spread, by those showing no symptoms at all.
“That’s why we need everyone to follow the Scottish Government’s advice and stay at home – this helps protect you and the wellbeing of those around you, particular more vulnerable members of our community such as our parents and grandparents.”
