Minnesota Buys Produce Building to Potentially Store Bodies

The State of Minnesota has purchased a produce storage building in Saint Paul to serve as a temporary morgue in advance of the projected COVID-19 surge.

State health officials say that up to 1,000 Minnesotans could die per day during the pandemic's peak in he state, so the purchase was made in case existing mortuary facilities would become overwhelmed.

The former Bix Produce building in Saint Paul is 71,000 square feet on five acres of land, and cost the state $5.5 million to purchase. Improvements and operating costs, along with the purchase price, are expected to reach $6.9 million.

The warehouse can hold up tp 5,000 bodies.

The State's current COVID-19 model projects Minnesota's coronavirus peak around June 29th (red curve).

The Governor's current 'Stay Safe MN' guidelines include retail locations reopening with 50% capacity, groups up to ten being allowed to gather with social distancing, staying at home when able, and wearing a mask in public.

Staying at home if you are feeling sick is another important piece to the puzzle. You can see guidelines on when to seek medical assistance, testing, and where to get tested in Central Minnesota HERE.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home when you can.

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