Praise for PPE heroes in Sunderland and South Tyneside as everyone from Nissan to home enthusiasts produce hit for key workers

Car-maker Nissan is among the latest firms to lend a hand, setting up a processing line at its Washington plant to package visors ready for distribution to health workers.

Networks of volunteers have sprung up across the country to manufacture safety gear from home, with the likes of Sunderland College donating 3D printers and other supplies to aid the process.

Responding to the efforts, Graeme Miller, the leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Businesses and individuals in our city and others up and down the country have been responding to calls on helping with the fight against COVID-19.

“It’s good to hear that staff and technology at Nissan, one of the country’s biggest manufacturing plants, are pitching in and doing their bit – well done to all.

“Whether we are helping at work with new production lines, staying at home, avoiding unnecessary travel, observing social distancing if we have to be out, we are all making a difference.”

Demand for PPE has seen South Shields clothing brand Barbour overhaul its South Shields factory, switching production from its famed wax jackets and coats to gowns and scrubs for hospital staff.

According to government guidance, gloves, aprons and eye protection should be worn by paramedics and hospital staff who come into contact with possible or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Some PPE, including some face and eye protectors, can be decontaminated and re-used, but most is intended for singe-use only.

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