Maryland officials considering using ice rinks as temporary morgues

Maryland officials said Tuesday they would consider using ice rinks as temporary morgues to counter the increasing number of coronavirus-related deaths.

As of Tuesday, Maryland reported 4,371 cases of COVID-19 and 103 fatalities, according to The Washington Post.

“It’s something we are exploring,” Mike Ricci, a spokesman for Gov. Larry Hogan (R), said in an emailed statement. “Hospitals can only hold the deceased for so long, and we want to be able to provide support for local resources.”

Maryland Health Secretary Robert Neall said Monday that he leased two ice rinks as temporary morgues last week, although Ricci followed this statement and said that no leases had been finalized.

The Hill reached out to Hogan’s Washington, D.C., office but has not immediately heard back.

Ricci said leasing ice rinks was a “precautionary measure,” that is “consistent with CDC guidelines for preparedness.”

Ricci said Maryland was preparing for all possibilities and said, “If we focus on staying home and slowing the spread, this won’t be necessary.”

Maryland, Virginia and D.C. have reported a combined total of 8,926 coronavirus cases and 189 deaths, with warnings from Hogan that the region could be the country’s next virus hot spot, according to the Post.

The region confirmed nearly 900 additional coronavirus cases and 21 fatalities on Tuesday.