The UK government has announced new measures to help boost supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff.

Today’s briefing was given by Business Secretary Alok Sharma and NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis.

Announcing plans to ensure there’s enough PPE for front line workers, Sharma said: “We are also introducing a range of measure to boost the supply of Personal Protective Equipment, such as face masks, to protect front line NHS staff.”

He went on: “And we’re removing administrative barriers to the production of hand sanitiser.

“By reducing the amount of red tape, new suppliers and businesses that produce ingredients for safe sanitiser, will be able to bring their products to market in a matter of days.”