The Finnish government said on Monday it plans to place orders for protective gear and respirators worth €100 million ($109 million) between June and August to fight the coronavirus and prepare for a possible surge in demand for the equipment.
The decision was taken despite infections from the novel coronavirus slowing in the nation of 5.5 million. Last week, children were allowed to return to daycare centers and elementary schools, as part of easing coronavirus-related restrictions.
“We are prepared for the fact that the disease situation may change in the future and the demand for protective equipment may increase from the current level,” Health Minister Aino-Kaisa Pekonen said.
The procurement plan includes at least 9 million surgical mouth and nose pads, at least 1.5 million respirators, up to 150 million nitrile gloves, and 6 million sets of protective jackets and aprons. Finland has recorded 6,579 infections of Covid-19 and 307 deaths.