I am pleased that the Government has announced a three-strand plan for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect those on the frontline who are critical in our fight against coronavirus. A full, 24/7 military operation is already underway to deal with the unprecedented, global demand for PPE as a result of this pandemic and, to date, over 761 million pieces of PPE have been delivered across the UK. The Government will stop at nothing to protect those on the frontline.

The three strands of this plan are:

• Guidance: Being clear who needs PPE and when, and who does not, based on UK clinical expertise and WHO standards. This will ensure workers on the frontline are able to do their jobs safely, while making sure PPE is only used when clinically necessary and isn’t wasted or stockpiled. 
• Distribution: Making sure those who need PPE can get it and at the right time. The government will ensure those who need critical PPE receive it as quickly as possible by setting up a new national supply system. 
• Future supply: Taking action to secure enough PPE to see us through the crisis. The actions are being taken to ensure we have enough critical PPE to last the UK through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, working alongside industry to boost future supply. 

Ensuring that our frontline staff are properly protected is of paramount importance to me, and to my colleagues on all sides of Parliament. I know that my colleague the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is taking this issue extremely seriously. However, I will continue to closely scrutinise steps being taken to ensure that all health and social care staff, whether they work in the NHS or other care facilities, are adequately protected and able to carry out their vital roles safely.

You can read the full plan on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-plan