Due to our very high case rate, Torbay is currently an Enhanced Response Area along with Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly. This means the government has prioritised our areas for additional support to reduce case rates.
To find out the latest information and advice about coronavirus in Torbay see our coronavirus section.
Information and guidance on protecting yourself and others during the coronavirus pandemic.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a key role in infection prevention and control in health and social care settings if used effectively and alongside other vital infection prevention and control measures. PPE should be used in line with national guidance for the role or activity.
Key documents can be found here:
Outside health and social care settings, PPE is not required for managing the risk of COVID-19 unless advised by a healthcare or public health professional.
This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the risks you normally face in a workplace and needs to be managed through social distancing and hygiene measures. When PPE is recommended, it should be used alongside, and not replace, the control measures outlined in Reducing the Spread and Working Safely Guidance.
PPE is not the same as a face-covering. You should continue to wear a face-covering in indoor public spaces.
PPE is available to purchase. National PPE wholesalers are listed below.
Providers registered with the CQC can order emergency supplies through the national PPE portal. Eligible organisations should have received an invitation to register via their email account registered with the Care Quality Commission. If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, you can contact the customer service team on 0800 876 6802.
Torbay Council and partners are supporting access to PPE for those not unable to access PPE through alternative means (e.g the PPE portal, the NHS supply chain or their usual channels).
We ask that those in need of PPE:
When requesting PPE you will be asked about: