LONDON (UK) – The government has said it would take steps to ensure large stockpiles of protective gear such as masks are in place to ensure a continuous flow of such items to health workers who are fighting the spread of the pandemic.
During the height of the first wave of infections in the country in April, unions accused the government of not providing enough protective gear to doctors and nurses treating COVID-19 patients, putting their lives at risk.
“At the start of the pandemic, meeting the huge demands for PPE (personal protective equipment) was a massive challenge,” health minister Matt Hancock said.
“That’s why we have worked every day since to ensure we have an uninterrupted supply to meet the challenges in the coming months and protect those who are protecting us.”
The health ministry has announced that from November, four-month stockpiles of PPE kit, including visors and gowns, will be made available.