FEMA sending refrigerator trucks to NYC for coronavirus deaths

by Justine Coleman - 03/30/20 5:41 PM ET

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending refrigerator trucks to New York City to act as interim mortuaries for those who died from COVID-19, an official said Monday.

Thomas Von Essen, FEMA’s regional administrator, made the announcement during a press conference with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and said the agency has provided 42 people to help in the Manhattan Medical Examiner’s Office, CNBC reported.

“We are sending refrigeration trucks to New York to help with some of the problem on a temporary basis,” he said.

Local officials greeted the Naval medical ship the USNS Comfort to the city to alleviate the pressure on city hospitals.

De Blasio said New York City is readying for a “horrible increase” in the death totals from the pandemic.

“To date, I still fear the worse is not going to be April but actually the beginning of May,” de Blasio said. “I guarantee you that April is going to be exceedingly tough and we have to understand that any projection of things being all OK by Easter, there’s just no way that’s true for New York City.”

Last week, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly were briefed that the city’s morgues were nearing capacity during the coronavirus crisis.

As of Monday morning, 790 people have died from COVID-19 in New York City. The city has confirmed more than 37,400 cases, according to the state’s health department.