ESSEX County Council is appealing for businesses to donate protective equipment to help carers through the coronavirus crisis.

The authority is asking small businesses, many of which are currently closed, to donate gear including masks, disposable gloves, aprons, goggles and sanitising gel.

John Spence, Essex county councillor responsible for health, said: “We fully understand the efforts Government are making to ensure equipment is available for all who need it, but we equally recognise the challenge they face in reaching beyond the NHS into other parts of the caring system.

“It may be that there are protective items sitting in storage cupboards that can be put to good use to support our social care workers, care workers and other front-line employees.

“If you are able to offer up this stock in our fight against this virus, please get in touch.

“Please share this message with all your friends and family to get the message out there.”

The equipment will be diverted to help frontline care staff who are looking after the most vulnerable residents within Essex.

The council is willing to purchase stocks of essential equipment if necessary.

Items will be collected by teams observing the government’s social distancing and hygiene guidance.

Anyone who can help is asked to email PPESupplies@essex.gov.uk with supply details including quantity and postcode, plus a contact name and phone number.