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HSE orders millions of masks in virus fight 102 new cases bring total confirmed to 785

- Sylvia Pownall And Lynne Kelleher

The HSE has ordered millions of masks and protective gear for health workers on the front line fighting the coronavirus.

Surgical masks, respirator masks, goggles and face shields are due for delivery in the next two weeks as the campaign to contain Covid-19 ramps up.

The HSE said in a statement yesterday they have adequate stock of critical supplies across the country and that €90million has been invested in extra equipment. It said despite market volatility and some export bans, the first batch order is due in the next two weeks.

A spokesperson said: “It includes 6.5 million surgical masks, 4.5 million respirator masks, one million goggles and one million face shields.”