COVID-19 Mortuary To Open On Grounds Of Irish Museum Of Modern Art

A temporary COVID-19 mortuary is to be set up on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) said public access to the site would be significantly affected – but noted that it’s determined to join the national effort in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

It comes after the government confirmed that temporary mortuaries would be established around the country to deal with an expected surge in coronavirus deaths.

 

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Statement from IMMA, 27 March 2020. As the country prepares Public Heath facilities to deal with Covid 19, we have been requested to facilitate the construction of a temporary mortuary on the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. We are determined to assist with the national effort while realising that this impacts on public access to the site significantly. While this is, of course, a reminder of the seriousness of this situation, the dignity and solemn beauty of the grounds is appropriate. We think with great compassion and respect for the families of those who may need these facilities in the times to come. We thank you for your understanding. Any further queries should be directed to the Government Information Services email press.office@taoiseach.gov.ie

A post shared by IMMA (@immaireland) on Mar 27, 2020 at 5:55am PDT

In a statement IMMA said: “While this is, of course, a reminder of the seriousness of this situation, the dignity and solemn beauty of the grounds is appropriate.”

“We think with great compassion and respect for the families of those who may need these facilities in the times to come.

“We thank you for your understanding.”

Last night, the Chief Medical Office Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that ten more COVID-19 patients had died – bringing the total in the Republic to 19.

Meanwhile the number of confirmed cases rose by 255 to 1,819.

Dr Holohan warned that we are “only at the beginning” of the coronavirus curve.