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Protecting communities: 600,000 items of PPE given to those in need

People, Health and Care
10:21, Friday, 5th February 2021

More than 580,000 items of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been distributed by North Lincolnshire Council to key workers and those in need across North Lincolnshire, with more being sent all the time.

Since the start of the pandemic, 587,000 pieces of PPE, including more than 220,000 aprons and 220,000 surgical facemasks have been issued, helping to keep people safe and well.

North Lincolnshire Council is working with the Department of Health and Social Care and partners in the voluntary community sector to distribute the equipment, which is being carefully targeted.

More than 63,000 pieces of equipment are being sent to 220 education and childcare settings, with more large deliveries sent to other essential services.

The council acted quickly to ensure that social care providers and the primary care sector received specialist facemasks to care for those in need.

Face coverings have also been made available to our most vulnerable residents across North Lincolnshire to help reduce the spread of the virus, including rough sleepers and victims of domestic abuse.

Protecting the most vulnerable continues to be at the forefront of the council’s response to Covid-19.

Last year 7,000 people were swiftly identified as needing extra support, with advice and practical help provided.

Thousands of residents also stepped up in a tremendous show of community spirit, answering the call to “Do One Thing” and performing acts of kindness, often to those less fortunate than themselves.

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“With the help of partners across the community, we’ve worked hard to deliver huge quantities of PPE into the hands of our key workers and vulnerable residents – which has to be our priority.

“The equipment continues to make a huge difference, helping to protect people by guarding against infection and bringing more piece of mind to workers in frontline services.

“That the Department of Health and Social Care have placed on record their thanks for our work distributing the equipment speaks volumes and is a real testament to the effort dedication of all those involved.

“The rollout of the vaccines has shown us the way out of the pandemic. While we are not there just yet, by following the guidelines and continuing to protect the most vulnerable we will come through the other side.”

Accompanying photograph taken prior to the national lockdown restrictions.