In April, the University and Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) assisted the local authorities by giving permission to install a temporary body storage unit on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary unit has not been used since it was installed.
At the time of informing all students and staff about the temporary unit in April, it was explained that this was a precautionary measure.
Reassurance was also shared that if the facility was used, the very highest standards of protocols would be applied – and that there would be no risk whatsoever of increased virus transmission as a result of the University hosting the storage facility.
Fortunately, nearly three months later, the facility has not had to be utilised and from current information, it is unlikely to be used in the future. However in order to continue to support the local authorities and the national effort in relation to COVID-19, the University has agreed to allow the unit to remain on campus until the end of the year, in the event there is a second wave of the pandemic. It will still be there as a precautionary measure, and working with the authorities, the facility will be made smaller with additional steps taken to make it even more discreet.
Bridget Edminson, General Counsel and Director of Governance & Compliance said: “We know that COVID-19 has forced us to think and talk about things that can be difficult, and we have been grateful with how understanding students and staff have been about the University’s civic responsibilities in supporting the national effort in relation to the pandemic. We would like to thank everyone for their continued understanding as we do all we can to fulfil our duties whilst considering our campus community.”
The temporary facility is just one of many ways the University is contributing to efforts during the current and future challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic. You can find out more about these civic and research efforts, expertise and practical help to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic here.