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<p>The temporary zero rate was an extraordinary measure introduced to help affected
sectors (such as hospitals and care homes) during the initial shock of the COVID-19
crisis, when global supply of PPE did not meet demand and PPE was procured directly
from the open market.</p><p> </p><p>DHSC have now committed in the Winter Plan to
provide free PPE for COVID-19 needs to adult social care until March 2021 via the
PPE portal and will supply all other adult social care services that will not be supplied
via the PPE portal via a combination of the local resilience forums and local authorities.</p><p>
</p><p>The funeral sector source their own PPE through their normal supply routes.
In extreme circumstances, there is provision for them to approach their local resilience
forum or local authority to discuss access to an emergency supply.</p>
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