Businesses across Wiltshire are being asked to help support the local efforts in tackling COVID-19.

With high demand for personal protective equipment Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police are appealing for support from local suppliers or any businesses that have stock which could be used.

The key items required are: Disposable gloves, disposable aprons, fluid repellent disposable surgical masks compliant with BS/EU standards and hand sanitizer with a minimum 60% alcohol content.

Joint Wiltshire Council chief executives, Terence Herbert and Alistair Cunningham, said: “Personal protective equipment is vital to help protect our frontline workers, allowing them to continue delivering critical services in the community, whilst also limiting the spread of this disease.

“We are aware that national supply chains are under significant pressure and that every effort is being made to fix the problem, however, our staff work in close proximity with those they are helping so they need to ensure they have PPE available.

“As a short-term measure, we are asking local businesses for any support that they might be able to kindly provide with supplies of PPE.

“If any are able to help it will allow our staff and our colleagues in Wiltshire Police to continue to support our most vulnerable residents and ensure we can deliver critical services at this challenging time. The community response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation has been fantastic and we thank businesses for their help and support.”

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard from Wiltshire Police said: “It’s vitally important that we protect our officers and staff on the frontline so they can continue to work as normally as possible, serving and protecting the public of Wiltshire.

“Of course, it’s imperative that the country’s NHS workers take priority and are first in line for any PPE. However, my staff and officers also need that level of protection and I urge any local businesses which can help us out immediately to contact us.”

Email CandF.Commissioning@wiltshire.gov.uk