NEW York, now the global epicentre of the pandemic, has begun burying its unclaimed dead in a graveyard that is the final resting place of those who die poor and alone.
Harrowing images show people in hazmat suits excavating mass graves on Hart Island in the Bronx, and coffins being lowered in.
Around 25 bodies – usually people who cannot afford a funeral or who are not claimed by family – are interred there each week in normal times.
Now the weekly figure is close to 120.
Mayoral spokeswoman Freddi Goldstein said: “For decades, Hart Island has been used to lay to rest [dead people] who have not been claimed by family.
“We will continue using the island in that fashion in this crisis.”
The city has cut from 30 days to 14 the time it will hold unclaimed remains before they are buried on Hart Island. Ms Goldstein said: “These are people who, for two weeks, we have not been able to find anyone who says, ‘I know that person, I love that person, I will handle the burial’.”
In New York, which has more coronavirus deaths than many nations, burials have quadrupled. Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “We’ve lost over 7,000 lives to this crisis. That is so painful, I don’t even have the words for it.”
He has signed an emergency executive order making it easier for licensed funeral directors from other states to practise in New York.
Bu hikaye Daily Mirror dergisinin April 11, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Mirror dergisinin April 11, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
REDS OPEN FLOODGATES
No waterfall from the leaky Old Trafford roof... but the goals flow as Ten Hag's quest for European spot goes down to the wire
POCH'S SIX MACHINES
In-form Chelsea win again as they close in on top-six finish
ALEX GOES FOR WIL POWER
No Bull.. Albon commits future to Williams
READY TO ROR
Mcllroy dodges divorce questions as he keeps focus on Major glory
'BOUT TIME
but... promoter Warren says fight so nearly didn't happen
Natalie: My girl loves Enders but fast-forwards all my bits
Star says Joanie, 7, is her biggest critic
KATIE: DON'T EVICT ME
KATIE Price has applied for an emergency court hearing as she scrambles to avoid being evicted from her Mucky Mansion.
The worst few days of my life.
Thrones star Sophie on marriage split
SECOND FUNERAL 'FIT FOR A QUEEN'
Gran's proper send-off after care of dead scandal
It could bee you...
£1million lotto win lets couple follow their sweetest dreams