Coronavirus: ‘We must learn from Italy to protect those at the coalface’

As Ireland faces its biggest ever public health emergency, Maresa Fagan looks at the critical role PPE is playing in the battle to contain and eradicate Covid-19 and how it could mean the difference between life or death for those at the coalface at home and abroad.

Irish tech firm Calt Dyanamics are 3D-printing protective visors to help meet the Covid-19 shortfall. Pictured: Co-founders of Calt Dynamics Ross Lawless and Irene Villafane

This weekend China will begin delivering plane loads of masks, gowns, and goggles to Ireland as part of an order for 11 million masks, 500,000 gowns, and one million sets of goggles.

The size of the order reflects the enormity of the challenge that lies ahead.