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Guernsey's health bosses are trying to reassure everyone that there is enough Personal Protective Equipment to keep those on the frontline safe, despite what may be being shared on social media forums.
Thousands of masks have been ordered, with more donated by local companies, and they and other essential pieces of PPE are being distributed to staff who need them daily.
Public Health staff have grown concerned over what is being shared online, as it has led to an increase in phone calls from people worried about health and care workers at the hospital, at other locations and those out in the community.
HSC said it is now appealing to the local community to "stop putting unhelpful comments on social media", saying that the most recent and harmful of which stated that "frontline staff at the PEH are not being issued with enough surgical masks".
HSC said that is not correct.
Pictured: HSC is asking people to ignore what they read on social media about PPE shortages locally.
A spokesperson said: "Concerned Islanders are calling and emailing helplines within the States of Guernsey having read alarmist comments on Facebook. There is absolutely NO substance to this rumour and posts of this nature only serve to increase fear in the community at this time."
To demonstrate the number of masks in particular that are available to front line health workers in the Bailiwick HSC has released these statistics:
HSC has also asked any local businesses which may hold, or which are able to source PPE, and would like to donate such equipment to be used during the corona virus pandemic, to contact the States procurement team.
There is a continuing "massive global demand" for PPE so any donations will help "enhance the existing stocks and supply chains" and not because there are insufficient stocks for staff to utilise on Island.
A central resource team has been assigned to manage local PPE stocks and it is being distributed on a daily basis to those who need it, to "ensure essential services can continue across both hospital and community teams".
Pictured: File image of Personal Protective Equipment.
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