Hong Kong is running out of coffins in the wake of skyrocketing COVID cases and an increasing death toll.
COVID-19 cases have been surging in the island territory, with cases earlier this week hitting a record high.
According to world data, Hong Kong had seen no COVID-related deaths in over a year until February - but since then the death toll has climbed dramatically, hitting 279 deaths in a single day on Thursday.
This couldn't have come at a worse time for funeral directors, with coffins and ritual offerings from China's mainland shipments disrupted by the virus.
The city Shenzhen is in lockdown due to China's zero COVID approach, and with cross-border travel restricted in the country it's become difficult to deliver coffins to Hong Kong.
According to The Times, the president of the Funeral Business Association Kwok Hoi-bong said the city only has 300 coffins left that will be used up in the next two to three days.
Hoi-bong said families will have to delay funeral services if the shortage is not resolved in time.
According to a statement by the government, 730 coffins are expected to arrive by sea on Friday to help with the shortage.
