Massachusetts' chief medical examiner is creating a backup morgue in a sports arena at Fitchburg State University, but so far, there are no plans for a similar facility on Cape Cod.
Barnstable County health director Sean O’Brien said the Fitchburg facility is part of statewide emergency management planning that includes the Cape.
"The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has a mass fatality plan, and they have begun some of the preparations for that, unfortunately," he said. "This is one of those plans you would hope you would never see."
He said officials have not discussed opening a facility in Barnstable County.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said the Fitchburg facility may not be needed, but has been set up just in case.
