Chilling pictures taken at Bristol's new temporary mortuary have hammered home the sobering reality of the coronavirus pandemic.
Civic leaders attended a ceremony today at the Sandy Park vehicle depot, in Brislington, which has been turned into a temporary mortuary.
The facility is now ready for use, having been built in less than a week, and has the capacity for up to 240 bodies.
It contains six chilled containers that are covered by a large gazebo, where coronavirus fatalities will be taken ahead of funerals if other mortuaries run out of space.
Speaking on site today (April 17), Mr Rees said: “This is a difficult time for everyone in our city and we know the reason for building this place of rest is distressing for our communities.
"It’s important we take all preparations necessary so we can provide a dignified place to rest for citizens who sadly lose their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Today’s event exemplified kindness, respect and dignity. "
Representatives from different religions gave a prayer while a leading humanist also gave a reading to a small gathering inside.
Mr Rees added: "It’s reassuring to see representatives from a range of faiths and non-faiths coming together today. I hope it gives some comfort to all our residents that we will do all we can to support each other through this difficult time.
“We stand with people from all faiths and no faith because We Are Bristol together.”
Hospitals across the UK have increased their capacity for patients who have died over the last few weeks, but councils were advised to prepare further space in case it was needed.
Bristol City Council said it allowed people from different faiths to view the site today, as the authority wanted to be open and transparent about the preparations it was making.
Although no funeral services will take place at the site, the ceremony aimed to inform religious and non-religious representatives so they can help the bereaved to understand the process.
The council said the mortuary had been quickly built to ensure sufficient capacity, so the deceased can have dignity and respect before their funerals.
Attendees at today's ceremony included the Buddhist Chaplin at the University of Bristol, Sister Jinho, Humanist Celebrant Chrissie Hackett, and Zaheer Shabir, representing the Muslim community.
A number of other faith leaders, unable to attend in person, also joined the ceremony by Zoom.
They included Bishop of Bristol Vivienne Faull, Rabbi Monique Mayer and Hindu representative, Shiv Sama.
Civic leaders included councillor and deputy mayor Asher Craig, and the Lord Mayor of Bristol Jos Clark.
The mortuary is not yet in use and Bristol City Council has written to neighbours around the site to keep them informed.
Restrictions will be in place at the site to protect staff, who will also be offered continued emotional support.
