These are the first pictures inside a make-shift mortuary that was built in less than a week to increase capacity during the coronavirus.
The site in Bristol is designed to deal with a potential extra demand for a dignified site where bodies can be stored ahead of funerals.
The marquee, which has been built at a vehicle depot, can accommodate up to 240 bodies.
It was completed earlier this week and contains six chilled containers that are covered by a large gazebo.
Faith leaders and a humanist gathered for a ceremony today to offer thoughts and prayers for those who might need to use the site and their families during the pandemic.
The event was also attended by Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees.
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. 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 general capacity for patients who died over the last few weeks but local councils have been working to be prepared if further space is needed.
This was one of the first times members of the public have been allowed inside.
The council said they allowed different faiths from across the city to view the site as they wanted to be open and transparent about the preparations it was making.
Representatives from different religions gave a prayer while a leading humanist also gave a reading to a small gathering inside.
Although no funeral services will take place at the site, Bristol City Council said it held the ceremony so faith and non-faith representatives can help bereaved people better understand the process.
The council said it had been quickly established to ensure sufficient capacity to allow for dignity and respect to be maintained before funerals are held.
Attendees at the event included The Bishop of Bristol Vivienne Faull virtually over Zoom, The Buddhist Chaplin at the University of Bristol, Sister Jinho, Humanist Celebrant Chrissie Hackett, and Zaheer Shabir, represented the Muslim community.
A number of other faith leaders, unable to attend in person, also joined the ceremony by Zoom, including Rabbi Monique Mayer and Hindu representative, Shiv Sama.
Restrictions will be in place at the site to protect staff who will be offered continued emotional support.
The site is not yet in use and Bristol City Council has written to neighbours around the site to keep them informed.
The tented site is located off a residential street, but vehicles will reverse into a covered area to ensure all dignity is maintained.
Those transporting the body would stop at an infection control point and the deceased would be transferred in the same way as a traditional mortuary to be stored in one of six refrigerated containers until they are removed for a funeral.
There is a three pronged walkway for staff to use to ensure infection control and PPE wearing is carried out and strict instructions on following safety measures.
Mortuary and coroner's support manager for Bristol City Council John Pitchers, said: "The purpose-built facility is to ensure there is sufficient capacity to continue to look after the deceased in a way that ensures dignity and respect. We all hope it is never needed but if it is, it is vital that we can continue to deliver the same care.
"It is designed to be as close as possible to a traditional morgue. Within the containers are the same wrappers as in a permanent one. The procedures are all the same and anyone using it will be moved around with the same equipment. They are kept safe and the level of security is the same.
"It is essentially ready now but we are limited to the number of people we can accommodate until the racking is here which is due to arrive at the end of next week.
"Any deceased comes through the main door and there is strict infection control. The van reverses and the bodies are transferred into the temporary resting place. There is a three stage process for staff with walkways to ensure all safety measures are carried out."
Bristol City Council said it originally purchased containers which could accommodate 240 deceased during usual operation. It has also ordered bespoke racking which could increase this capacity if required, and decisions will be made later on according to levels of demand.
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: "I never thought I would have to deal with this kind of issue as mayor.
"But we do as a city, and today has been about faith leaders and humanists coming together just to recognise this space, to bless it and to make sure the rest of the city knows this is just a symbol of the efforts being taken to take care of Bristol."
Among those attending the ceremony were Zaheer Shabir, a representative from the Muslim community.
He said: "Religion teaches us to offer the rights of dignity to those who pass away with humility and respect. This ceremony has been about collaborating with all faiths in Bristol with one voice. They can rest assured that anyone who passes away will be given the dignity and respect they deserve."
Chrissie Hackett, representing the humanists, said: "It was very important to come here today, So many people like myself don't follow any religion but do have a strong belief in human values.
"I welcome the opportunity to share this platform with faith leaders across all of Bristol.
"Although we all hope this place will never be used, it will still be a respectful resting place if it is needed."
