Personal protective equipment distributed to frontline workers throughout South Yorkshire

Yesterday (6 April), equipment including aprons, gloves and masks were delivered to South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s training centre in Sheffield, the service said.

Fire and rescue staff, alongside military personnel, divided up the supplies and delivered them to local authorities in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

They will now be distributed to social care workers in each area.

The equipment was sent to South Yorkshire from the government’s national distribution centre.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Johnson said: “These workers are right on the frontline of providing care and support to some of the most vulnerable and isolated people in our communities, so we were pleased to be able to play a small part in getting this equipment to the staff who need it.

“I’m proud of our staff for stepping up at short notice to make it happen and understanding the important role the fire and rescue service can play in supporting our partners and our communities.”

South Yorkshire’s response to the coronavirus pandemic is being co-ordinated as a collective effort by multiple agencies, including emergency services, health bodies and local authorities.

Businesses and universities across the county have also made personal protective equipment for frontline workers amid a global shortage.

Many people have also begun wearing face masks - but medical experts said they do not currently think they help protect people from acquiring the infection.