Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

Temporary resting place at RAF Henlow

Tuesday, 12 January 2021

Due to the worsening situation with Coronavirus we are expecting the number of deaths in Bedfordshire and Luton to increase.

While this is a hard thing to think about, we need to be ready for this eventuality so are working with partners once again to prepare a facility on the RAF Henlow base as a temporary resting place.

The mortuaries at both Bedford and the Luton and Dunstable hospitals currently still have sufficient capacity. The RAF Henlow facility is a temporary back-up should additional space be needed.

Preparation to get the facility ready is underway with the aim to be available for use later this month should the need arise.

The facility will be staffed and have security to protect the dignity and respect of those who have lost their lives.

We can all make a positive impact on reducing the spread of this virus by staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives.