THREAD: This is the true human cost of #COVID that you don't see on TV very often. CNN obtained photos from ER staff at a Detroit hospital, showing bodies pilled up in vacant spaces because the morgue was full. Nearly 1,500 people have died in Michigan, and 23,000 nationwide.

Thank you to the brave ER worker at Sinai-Grace Hospital who shared these images with CNN, and the other employees who confirmed key details. They spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity, out of concern for their jobs. They are sharing the truth about this human tragedy.

At least one room, which is typically used for sleep studies, was used to store bodies because the morgue was full. One ER worker who saw the bodies told CNN: “All I know is we ran out of beds to keep our patients on, so we couldn’t spare any for the bodies."

The blue bags shown in one of the photos are the personal effects of the deceased.

A spokesman from the hospital ( @DMC_SinaiGrace) told CNN: "Surge plans are in place at our hospital to handle the increase in patient volumes to ensure we provide the safest and most appropriate care for our patients."

Credit goes to my colleagues who did this important reporting: @Ryanyoungnews @jakeacarpenter @murphy