By Juliano Oliveira
Queensland Government has decided to augment the supplies of personal protective equipment to confront COVID-19 in the future as a bulk storage site at Inala is set to expand its size.
“The pandemic put pressure on stocks worldwide, but Queensland has managed exceptionally well,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“This storage site will feed into our distribution centres, where collectively we have in excess of 100 days of supply of key PPE items – including more than 900 days of surgical masks, more than 200 days of medical gowns, and close to 300 days of gloves.
Ms Palaszczuk said that the storage site is now being expanded by 50%.
“The original site is currently holding approximately 120 million pieces of PPE across 9,500 pallet spaces, including those all-important items such as surgical masks, gloves and protective eyewear.
“From early September the facility will span 15,500m2 – adding an extra 4,500 pallet spaces – and based on the current stock, we expect to be able to increase storage to around 180 million pieces of PPE.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the new storage site would add to already existing distribution centres and regional warehouses across the State.
“Queenslanders have done exceptionally well during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have to remain vigilant and prepared, given that the virus has the potential to rapidly re-emerge,” he said.
“This is about ensuring we have more secure supplies as a state and that all our frontline workers have access to the necessary supplies and equipment to keep them safe, support their work for the community and enable them to continue to deliver the outstanding services that they provide.”