Birmingham City Council issues appeal for protective equipment
Birmingham City Council has issued an appeal to businesses for donations of protective equipment to help in the fight against coronavirus.
The council is asking the local business community for any donations of fluid-repellent face masks, single-use disposable gloves, aprons and paper overalls, hand sanitiser, eye protection and overshoes.
Taking to Twitter to launch the appeal, the council stated that the PPE was for frontline staff, care providers, social workers and volunteers who are delivering essential services across the city.
The call comes following widespread reports from across the country for additional PPE, with claims that many front-line staff are having to work without adequate it.
“We are asking for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use by our front-line staff, care providers, social workers and volunteers who are delivering essential services across the City,” the council said in a statement.
“Items such as disposable aprons, latex or Nitrell gloves, face masks, hand sanitiser, eye protection and overshoes would be appreciated.
“Birmingham City Council is doing everything it can to support providers locally while ensuring that this matter is raised at the most senior levels.
“Thank you, your help in this difficult time is really appreciated.”
As part of the appeal the council has launched an online form allowing businesses to detail what PPE they can offer, adding that they will ‘consider any offer of help and will be in touch if we need to take you up on your offer’.
The form itself includes the following available options for donations: face masks – surgical/disposable; face masks – fp3 respirator masks; disposable gloves; disposable aprons; and hand sanitiser (minimum 60 per cent alcohol).
The council’s appeal comes on the same day that former cabinet member, Councillor Majid Mahmood (Lab, Bromford and Hodge Hill), appealed for more workers to be supplied with PPE.
“Our refuse collectors, and street cleaners need PPE urgently. I was dismayed that I met 3 street cleaners today emptying our street bins without PPE. Need masks urgently to protect frontline officers.
“We should take a lead not rely on National guidance which in some instances is rubbish. None of the officers were wearing masks, and I witnessed a lot of used tissues being taken out of the bins.
“There are lots of sofas and mattresses dumped which may be contaminated too!”
