Christmas card showing an illustration of Santa Claus in Personal Protective Equipment

Christmas card showing an illustration of Santa Claus on a snowy rooftop wearing personal protective equipment including a face covering, gloves, and a body suit tucked into yellow boots, with the words "Ha-ppe Christmas", illustrated by Holly St Clair, sold by Wrap Magazine, 2020

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a way of protecting the wearer against health or safety risks at work. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness about PPE. Guidance around PPE for key workers, particularly healthcare workers have changed over the course of the pandemic. At first, PPE like that used for dealing with Ebola, including a full body suit and wellingtons was used by healthcare workers. During the first lockdown in the United Kingdom, there was a shortage of PPE. Some concerns were raised over availability and suitability of face masks, gloves, aprons, and gowns for healthcare workers. The type of PPE that key workers need to wear depends on the type of role they carry out.