Work will get underway next week on a temporary morgue to store the dead in a "worst-case scenario".

Kent County Council has been working on plans for additional body storage facilities that may be needed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The temporary body storage will be at the former county workshops in Beddow Way, Aylesford. It will take about two weeks to complete.

A spokesman confirmed it would only be used if existing mortuary space around Kent becomes full. No post-mortems will take place there.

They added: "KCC has a statutory responsibility to take the lead in responding to humanitarian impacts that result from an emergency and has been working through the Kent Resilience Forum's Excess Deaths Management Group."

The group brings together organisations including Public Health England, the NHS, coroners, police, funeral directors and faith groups.

"As with every emergency planning team in the country, the Excess Deaths Management Group has to plan for the worst-case scenario and be prepared to implement any necessary contingency plans," they added.

"The Excess Deaths Management Group has to plan for the worst-case scenario..."

"The priority will be to maintain dignity and respect for those who have lost their lives and consideration for the bereaved."

A marquee with a floor space of 1,000sq m will be put up in one part of the site and security and privacy hoardings will be put in place.

If called upon, the premises is likely to be operated around the clock, seven days a week.

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