The Ministry of Health has identified potential concerns around the quality of some of the masks purchased internationally as part of ensuring New Zealand’s supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The concerns about the 4.9 million masks relate to inconsistencies in labelling and certification. New Zealand continues to have sufficient supply of PPE, including masks, which is distributed at a national level.
Due to the pressure on global supply lines in March, PPE was being purchased quickly and often from different sources than those usually used in the health sector as part of the COVID-19 response.