Birmingham Airport is in talks with local authorities to become a mortuary during the coronavirus crisis.
Sandwell Council said it was working 'with and on behalf of' local authorities in the West Midlands and Warwickshire 'on mortuary provision across the region' before confirming that the airport as one of the approached agencies, according to the BBC.
Wasim Ali, deputy leader, said: "Unfortunately, everyone is only too aware that families are very sadly losing loved ones to coronavirus.
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"We are confident that the work we are doing now will make sure resources that may sadly be needed over the coming months are in place."
A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport said: "We have been in discussions with the authorities and we will of course co-operate to find a suitable location and help where we can to support the fightback against this pandemic."
The news comes after it was revealed that the UK's coronavirus death toll has risen by 181 in 24 hours.
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As of 5pm yesterday (26 March) it stood at 759, according to the Department of Health and Social care.
As of 9am this morning (27 March) the number of people tested was at 113,777, with 99,198 of those testing negative. The other 14,579 results came back positive.
While the number of positive and negative tests are being sent out on the day, the government is releasing the death toll as of 5pm the previous day - to give people accurate information.
Yesterday, death toll figures were released for 25 March and the amount was 578 - this was followed by a 181 rise in today's update.
The latest people to announce they have tested positive for the coronavirus (Covid-19) are UK PM Boris Johnson and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock.
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Earlier today (27 March), Johnson confirmed the news on his Twitter account, sharing a video updating the public of his condition.
In the video shared on his social media channel, the country's leader said that, following advice from the Chief Medical Officer, he was tested for the deadly disease.
However, despite displaying 'mild symptoms' of a temperature and persistent cough, assured the country that he would be 'working from home' and continuing his duties.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics:Â UK News, Coronavirus, UK
