Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will issue guidance to workers that require face masks as part of their usual personal protective equipment on what steps to take in the event that suppliers of those masks are unable to restock.

Guidance has been issued and is available at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/872745/Infection_prevention_and_control_guidance_for_pandemic_coronavirus.pdf

We have central stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE) and are also accessing the European Union Exit and pandemic influenza stockpiles which have been released for use. The Department is working with National Health Service and others in the supply chain to ensure these are delivered to the frontline as soon as possible.

Staff experiencing shortages have been asked to contact a supply disruption helpline centre by email or on a helpline.

The Department is working with wholesalers to ensure a longer-term supply of all aspects of personal protective equipment, including gloves, aprons, facemasks and hand sanitiser.