A borough logistics firm has become the first to donate crucial PPE equipment in the fight against coronavirus.

JJX Logistics, based on the Pensnett Trading Estate, dropped off a shipment of gloves and masks in Brierley Hill this week. They will be used by frontline staff working for Dudley Council and the donation was accepted gratefully by Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care.

The equipment will be used to complement existing supplies and ensure frontline workers including care staff, working with the most vulnerable including children and elderly residents, have the protection they need to do their jobs safely.

Council bosses are now hoping more businesses will follow suit and come forward with donations – with dentists and vets in particular believed to be most likely to have the items that are needed. Councillor Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

"This is a fantastic gesture by JJX Logistics, and I wanted to make sure I was there in person today to thank them for it. We need to boost our supplies to make sure we can protect our staff as they courageously continue to do all they can to support our most vulnerable residents.

"I would urge anyone else able to donate PPE equipment to come forward – we are all in this together and we need to do all we can to help protect our frontline heroes, who will still be out over the Easter weekend doing their jobs."

The council is asking businesses to donate any spare PPE they currently have in stock including:

• Fluid repellent disposable gowns – EN13795 
• Nitrile non-sterile gloves - EN 374
• Plastic aprons – category 1
• Eyewear and face protection - EN166 
• FFP2 and FFP3 masks - EN 149
• IIR Surgical masks - EN14683

Please note, products must be within their use by date and must adhere to the relevant standards. Businesses able to donate can contact the council by calling 01384 814444 or emailing corporate.procurement@dudley.gov.uk.

For more advice and support about coronavirus go to dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus.