Free personal protective equipment (PPE) emergency packs will be supplied to schools in Somerset thanks to the County Council.
Careful planning and sourcing have made sure that the Council has enough stocks of PPE to provide schools that are opening classes to year groups with enough equipment for the rest of the summer term – and possibly beyond.
Current Government advice is that schools need to use PPE in certain circumstances such as if a pupil shows coronavirus symptoms. A teacher would wear PPE to sit with the young person until a parent/carer or transport arrived to take them home.
The emergency packs will contain one box of:
- 50 masks
- 100 pairs small gloves
- 100 medium gloves
- 100 large gloves
- 100 aprons
- 8 visors (reusable)
Hand sanitiser, sourced from local suppliers, is also being provided.
Councillor Faye Purbrick, Cabinet member for education, said: “I am sure these kits will be warmly welcomed by schools. This initiative gives them reassurance that the County Council is doing all it can to support them, as well as children and families at a very difficult time.
“It will not only save schools money but also means that they do not have to spend time sourcing the PPE themselves. I would also like to thank County Council staff who have worked tirelessly to procure PPE and to make sure we have the stock available for others.”
For more information about Somerset County Council’s response to the coronavirus emergency please visit www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus, where you can also sign up for regular email updates.
A single phone number is also available for anyone in Somerset who needs coronavirus-related support from their councils. The Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline number, 0300 790 6275, makes it easier for people to access any local authority help they may need, including emotional support, during the current crisis. Lines are open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm.