Authorities provide explanation on truck

After the presence of a cargo truck that would be used to transport the bodies of people who died from COVID-19 was reported, state authorities gave an explanation on the matter.

According to the authorities, the General Hospital of Mexicali has adopted a series of provisions to handle fatal COVID victims in accordance with state health department mandates.

“There is no situation out of control in the handling of the corpses,” said Mexicali General Hospital Director Diego Fernando Ovalle Marroquín. “There is also no extraordinary situation regarding the number of deceased people.”

State Coroner’s Office Director Raul Gonzalez Vaca said the agency has received bodies from the General Hospital after the hospital reached its maximum capacity for storage.

The official explained that in view of the possibility the installed capacity would be exceeded — which has not happened yet — the placement of a cargo truck trailer was arranged to keep the bodies under conditions equivalent to a cold room while complying with the delivery of corpses to their relatives.

The director said the trailer does not contain bodies so far.

Ovalle Marroquín mentioned that the General Hospital complies with the general guidelines of giving a dignified treatment to the deceased, as well as solidarity and support for the bereaved.

The official said that the necessary provisions are in place to avoid a potential saturation of corpse management systems whereby prompt issue of death certificates and timely burials could not be accomplished.