Woman charged with stealing face masks, hand wash from hospital amid COVID-19

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A woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing face masks and other medical items from a hospital in Australia amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

The 65-year-old reportedly stole the supplies on March 4 and 6, as per The West Australian last Friday, March 13. The woman, a university worker, was at the medical center to help students on work placement.

Detectives raided her home in Carine, Perth, on March 12 and seized containers of antiseptic hand wash, wipes and swabs along with 60 face masks. As per report, she has since been charged with three counts of theft.

As the spread of the coronavirus continues, Australian Medical Association president Dr. Andrew Miller said there had been reports of face masks missing in recent weeks.

The theft of the personal protective equipment needed by healthcare workers has prompted the said country’s health department to take extra measures to ensure the items are protected and used properly.

“We will not tolerate theft of any health service property,” a spokeswoman for the department was quoted as saying.

She added that if staffs are “found to be removing stock from their hospital or service site for personal use,” they will report it to the police and investigate the claims in line with their discipline policy. Ryan Arcadio /ra

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