Urgent Appeal for PPE

Posted on: March 31, 2020

An urgent appeal has just been launched by Essex County Council for any small businesses to donate any unused Personal Protective Equipment they may have within their stock.

With many small business currently closed, the council is appealing for any PPE equipment such as Masks, Disposable Gloves, Aprons, Eye Goggles, Overshoes and also any Sanitising Gel that businesses may have, that can be provided to the front line care staff who are caring for our most vulnerable residents in Essex over the coming days and weeks. Over the last few days there have been many small businesses that have closed to help stop the spread of the virus and ensure people stay home.

Businesses such as restaurants, gyms, beauty salons, nail bars, car body shops, tattoo artists, cleaning companies and hardware stores may have some PPE sitting unused on shelves and in cupboards that could help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Essex County Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social care said:

“We fully understand the efforts government are making to ensure PPE is available for all who need it, but we equally recognise the challenge they face in reaching beyond the NHS into other parts of the caring system.

“It may be that there are protective items sitting in storage cupboards that can be put to good use to support our social care workers, care workers and other front-line employees. If you are able to offer up this stock in our fight against this virus, please get in touch. Please share this message with all your friends and family to get the message out there.”

Essex County Council are willing to purchase any stocks if needed. To donate or advise us of stock please email PPESupplies@essex.gov.uk with your PPE supply details including quantity and postcode, plus a contact name and phone number and someone will be in touch. Any items offered and suitable will be collected safely with collectors observing social distancing and hand hygiene.