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HAZARD, Ky. (WTVQ) – The morgue is full at Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center. Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) calls it “one of the most tragic realities of this pandemic”.
The ARH says the morgue reached its maximum capacity on Wednesday evening.
The health care group also said the Engle-Bowling funeral home in Hazard will help provide a mortuary for some of the deceased. Help from the funeral home means ARH doesn’t have to consider adding a portable mortuary just yet. ARH says he hopes he will only have to take this step as a last resort.
Governor Andy Beshear announced earlier this week that two more Kentucky hospitals have had to bring in portable mortuaries.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare statement on mortuary capacity at Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center:
As the number of critically ill patients with COVID-19 reaches unprecedented levels, bringing hospitals to capacity, the ARH is sad to report that one of the most tragic realities of this pandemic is currently unfolding in Hazard. Since last night, the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center has reached its maximum capacity in its hospital mortuary.
We extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the loved ones of those who have died in our hospital during this time and to all who have been affected by this horrific virus. We also ask everyone to think about our frontline healthcare workers who have cared for these patients. These health heroes are engaged and resilient, but they are tired. They appreciate and need your continued support.
ARH cannot sufficiently express its gratitude to Engle-Bowling Funeral Home in Hazard, which has stepped in to provide a respectful mortuary location for some of the deceased until their families can make arrangements for the funeral and burial . This generosity is currently preventing us from initiating the process of securing additional mortuary space with portable mortuary units. This action is something we only hope to take as a last resort.
Any unnecessary death is too much. This morgue capacity issue is a tragic consequence of this pandemic which could easily be avoided if more people chose to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and take other precautions to protect themselves and limit the spread of the virus to others. by wearing a mask while indoors and social distancing.
ARH offers both COVID-19 vaccination testing at our locations in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. For a location near you, visit: https://arhcovid19.com/
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