The sites are at Poole Port and The Old Radio Station in Dorchester. They will house temporary specialist units that can provide storage, as part of a multi-agency emergency plan. They will be used if and when required during the coronavirus outbreak.

Poole Port will be up and running from the week of 20 April, and the Old Radio Station is expected to be available, if required, from the beginning of May.

Representatives from BCP Council, Dorset Council, The Coroner, Dorset Police, The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Funeral Directors and celebrants are working together to make sure the potential bereavement needs across the county are identified and met.

Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, said, “I’d like to reassure our communities that these are temporary sites, being installed so that we can accommodate a potential increase in the number of deceased safely, compassionately and respectfully. The more we follow national advice now and stay home, the more we are all doing our bit to delay and suppress the spread of the virus and so help reduce the number of deaths locally.”

Councillor Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council said, “We appreciate that this topic is a difficult one for everyone. We are keen to reassure residents that these mortality support units are being established as part of our duty to plan for a worst-case scenario.”

Anyone grieving and in need help and support can contact Cruse Bereavement Care (www.cruse.org.uk) or call their helpline on 0808 808 1677.