Ensuring a stable supply of personal protective equipment

     The Government today (August 21) issued a report on the concerted efforts of the Government and the community in ensuring a stable supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the fight against COVID-19.
 
      "The Government has been making continuous efforts to procure and stock up on PPE to protect staff and meet operational needs in the provision of public services. At the outset of the outbreak, there was strong global competition for the supply of PPE and the shortage problem was acute. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the parties involved, supply and stock levels have stabilised," a Government spokesperson said.
 
      "In view of the relatively stable supply and stock situation of PPE, and for the sake of transparency, we consider it timely to release information on our procurement, stock and distribution of PPE at the current juncture.
 
      "The Government will continue to use PPE prudently, share the items with the needy in the community and help all to fight the virus together," the spokesperson said.
 
      The report summarises the multi-pronged approach to strengthen government procurement, efforts devoted to supporting frontline medical staff, ways to enhance local PPE supply, and efforts made to meet urgent community needs in terms of PPE. Details are presented in the report (see Annex). The report has also been submitted to the Legislative Council.