New Delhi: Taking a significant step for the safeguard of healthcare workers from Covid-19, the United Kingdom (UK) govt has announced preparing a reserve of 4 month stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the health and social care workers.
UK’s Department of Health and Social Care made this announcement on Monday in a press briefing.
“Four-month stockpiles of items such as face masks, visors and gowns will be in place from November to provide a continuous flow to the frontline, helping to ensure staff always have the equipment they need,” the department said in a press release.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock added that three-quarters of the demand for personal protective equipment will be met by domestic manufacturers, adding that the supplies will allow workers to continue to provide vital care amid the ongoing pandemic.
“As we take every step to combat this virus we are setting out this plan to reassure our health and social care workers that they will have the PPE they need to carry out their tireless work,” Hancock was quoted as saying.
In April, the UK government came under fire for less availability of medical equipments including gowns and respirator masks. At that time, National Health Service staff said that they were at risk due to equipment shortages.
Currently, the UK is in the midst of a second COVID-19 wave. About 5,693 new positive tests have been logged by the Department of Health and Social Care on Sunday.
The country’s case total currently sits at 434,969 and 41,988 people have died due to complications from the disease within 28 days of a positive test, according to government data.
