As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Tarrant County officials are preparing to house additional bodies as the medical examiner's office nears capacity.
"Some of the funeral homes, their coolers are also near reaching capacity," said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley.
Whitley said the two large refrigerated trucks parked outside the medical examiner's office will be ready for use as soon as tomorrow. He said county leaders have known for months they may eventually need overflow units, and the two trucks can hold about 100 bodies combined.
Beyond COVID-19 deaths, Whitley said staffing shortages and a rise in homicides have contributed to the influx of bodies being housed at the medical examiner's office. He said the pandemic has also complicated the grieving process for many families.
"Some of the funeral homes, the quickness of dealing with the services has slowed down," Whitley said. "Travel arrangements are a little bit more difficult."
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