Utah Helping Small Businesses Move To Orange Risk Level With Free PPE
May 5, 2020, 8:23 PM | Updated: Jun 13, 2022, 4:32 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The PPE Push Pack program is underway to help Utah’s small businesses mitigate the costs of reopening safely for customers and employees.
“The ability for businesses to obtain and utilize personal protective equipment for their employees is critical in helping Utahns get back to work and stay at work,” Gov. Gary R. Herbert said in a news release.
“As Utah moves into the stabilization phase, using PPE to protect businesses and those they serve is a vital element of our recovery. This program is intended to jump start that transition while businesses line up long-term supplies”, Herbert said.
Businesses can get a week supply of free masks, hand sanitizer, and possibly gloves or other items, depending on the type of business.
It’s the result of a public/private partnership to get the free gear to businesses that employ less than 50 employees across the state.
Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, and chair of the Economic Response Task Force said, “This program is a testament to the power of public/private collaboration.”
He added, “Several Utah organizations – such as ICON Fitness – have already stepped up and donated to the effort, significantly increasing the State’s capacity to support small businesses in need of PPE resources. We encourage other large companies that are ordering PPE to donate a portion of their supplies to support small businesses as well.”
A news release said PPE is crucial to preventing infections in workplaces that cannot operate remotely, including those in the retail, personal care, and hospitality industries.
The free PPE is available based on state inventory and will be available for pick-up at locations in each county.
The Utah coronavirus website includes information on how to get the free gear and how to donate at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/business/#utah-ppe-resources.
