Papua New Guinea pandemic response controller David Manning has authorised the mass burial of 200 bodies in the Port Moresby General Hospital mortuary.
The mortuary is now filled beyond capacity with more than 300 bodies stacked on top of one another, as more Coronavirus victims are brought in from the hospital's wards and private homes.
Health workers moving body bags at Goroka Hospital's morgue. October 2021. Photo: EMTV
The morgue, which was built 30 years ago, has capacity for 60 bodies.
The National newspaper reports the hospital chief executive, Dr Paki Molumi, saying the city manager Bernard Kipit had assured his office of their assistance.
Mr Kipit said the city commission would help ensure the hospital had the logistical support needed for a mass burial.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has told provincial health authorities to buck up in the fight against Covid-19 or they will be replaced.
And the first six of a 10 person medical team from the United Kingdom arrived in the country on Sunday.