Story perspectives

Paris Mortuary Overflow Sends Families 80 km Away, City Adds Units

7/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Undertaker Zouhaier Hertelli says the Paris mortuary’s 32-slot refrigerated room is full, forcing families to seek storage up to 80 km away while he awaits a trailer.
France recorded 1,000 excess deaths, with daily totals of 1,200-1,400, 85% among those 65+, while home deaths rose 40% in Paris.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said hospital air-conditioners will arrive early next week, while City Hall added two 20-place mortuary units and 50 spaces.

History

Historical Context

In March 2020 Lombardy rushed to add 482 ICU beds as COVID-19 flooded hospitals, and by mid-April WHO recorded about 9,000 excess deaths, 78 % of them over 70, forcing morgues to double capacity. The same overload reappears in Paris, where a 32-slot refrigerated chamber is full and officials have earmarked €45 million for new mortuary units.

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Story summary

Undertaker Zouhaier Hertelli says the Paris mortuary’s 32-slot refrigerated room is full, forcing families to seek storage up to 80 km away while he awaits a trailer.
France recorded 1,000 excess deaths, with daily totals of 1,200-1,400, 85% among those 65+, while home deaths rose 40% in Paris.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said hospital air-conditioners will arrive early next week, while City Hall added two 20-place mortuary units and 50 spaces.

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