(Title Image: Ysgol Gyfun Llangynwyd via Twitter)
Bridgend Council, as well as staff at the Princess of Wales Hospital, have made appeals for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff.
While the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board area (that includes Bridgend) has so far had a lower proportion of confirmed cases than other health boards in southern Wales, the numbers are increasing rapidly. As some people don’t show any obvious symptoms, it’s difficult for frontline staff to know for certain – without testing – whether all new patients have the virus.
On Thursday (26th March), Bridgend Council made an appeal to local businesses for donations of PPE for social care staff and school staff providing the emergency childcare service.
Ysgol Gyfun Llangwnwyd has donated their science goggles and several schools around the country are doing the same. Meanwhile, the Royal Mint and Swansea University’s Engineering Department are manufacturing protective face shields.
Based on UK Government guidance, the Welsh Government’s own current guidance says PPE should only be used when someone comes into direct contact with a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus/Covid-19.
“The current UK guidance is clear PPE should be used when dealing with people who have or are suspected to have Covid-19. The current guidelines about what PPE is needed differs by setting and procedure. It is essential those who need PPE have access to it but we should not use it unnecessarily in order to avoid wastage and to ensure we have sufficient stocks as the coronavirus pandemic progresses.”
– Chief Medical Officer of Wales, Dr Frank Atherton
The Chief Medical Officer of Wales has, subsequently, ordered a “rapid review” of the guidance which will also look at current stocks and supplies.
