“The programme was initially planned to be delivered in a situation without COVID-19 in the community. For the Auckland region, this is not the case now – so particulate respirator masks [which protect against airborne particles] like the N95s should be made available.”
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The availability of correctly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) was “variable and remains a risk” for frontline nurses as well as those in primary health care, said Weston, who pointed out there had been 18 months of preparation time since the last level four lockdown. “However, we have an amazing workforce, standing up across the country.”