NHS staff have been ordered to re-use masks and gowns on the coronavirus front line with protective equipment running dangerously low, according to reports.
Public Health England bosses are set to tell nurses and doctors they can wear flimsy plastic aprons instead of full gowns, a source has told the Guardian.
The guidance comes despite existing advice telling NHS staff to wear full waterproof surgical gowns when dealing with coronavirus patients.
The new diktat is expected to be circulated by Professor Keith Willett, who is leading NHS England’s coronavirus response. A source told the Guardian: “The new guidance will say 'this is what you do if you don't have any gowns'. “Wear an apron instead – that will be the new policy for the