Coronavirus: frontline police officers to get personal protective equipment from next week

Police Scotland says a rollout of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline officers is expected to begin next week.

More than 630 officers have already received the kit, including masks, gloves, boot covers, coveralls and goggles, to help with the coronavirus pandemic.

Officers across operational support units, border policing, custody and in some rural areas have already received the PPE. 

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "Our officers are playing a vital role in keeping people safe at this extraordinary time and we want them to have the right protective equipment to enable them to do their jobs with confidence.    

"We have had several teams working continuously on procuring and distributing vital supplies to staff and these are being issued across priority areas, with significant orders for more items, including masks, goggles and gloves, scheduled for delivery over the coming days and weeks. 

"The procurement of available PPE is a key piece of work being undertaken in challenging circumstances due to exceptional levels of demand and we are streamlining and simplifying the process where possible. 

"We are working with the Scottish Government and partners, and at a UK level, to ensure required PPE is delivered as quickly as possible." 

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