Harsh lessons on PPE

DESPITE the furious row raging about the shortage of protective clothing for doctors and nurses, Mr Johnson’s statement skirted swiftly – and some would say insultingly – over the scandal.

Indeed, while he acknowledged the crisis needed ‘sorting out’, blink and you’d miss it.

Of course, the Mail understands that unforeseen crises are impossible to tackle without errors. And yes, we accept ministers are straining every fibre to solve the PPE fiasco.

But this barely mitigates the horror of NHS medics toiling on virus wards without rudimentary safety kit.

Tragically, more than 80 have died from the disease – and the toll will surely rise.

Today, the nation will pay silent tribute to these fallen heroes. But what solace is this to colleagues who must risk their lives without appropriate gowns, masks and gloves?

The Royal College of Physicians says the situation is so dire a quarter of doctors are re-using PPE designed to be worn once.

True, the logistical challenge of distributing billions of pieces of clothing is enormous. But it has to be overcome.

Harsh lessons must be learned. Stockpiles of PPE were allowed to dwindle disastrously low. Britain’s failure to make our own vital equipment means we rely too heavily on imported supplies.

And in future, bureaucrats must not turn up their noses at the private sector. Burberry, for instance, rapidly refashioned production lines to make medical gowns.

Sufficient PPE is a crucial cog in defeating the pandemic. Never again should we find ourselves in such an invidious position.