More than 130 Australian companies have responded to an urgent call to dramatically boost the manufacturing of face masks, gowns and gloves, as doctors report that some staff are going to extraordinary lengths to conserve stocks. Last week, the government issued a request for any company that might be able to produce PPE to come forward. The request was designed to map out Australia’s full capacity to produce PPE and to identify companies whose ability to manufacture it was not immediately apparent. “We are working with government on sourcing more.”Loi said he had heard reports of medical staff having to reuse face masks. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said those reports were “very concerning”.

Source: The Guardian March 23, 2020 05:26 UTC