Queensland distilleries Bundaberg and Beenleigh have repurposed their production lines to crank out the ingredients for hand sanitiser, marking a very welcome development in the state’s battle against the state’s coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
In a statement released last night, QLD Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said Beenleigh will soon churn out hand sanitiser “to supply the Queensland Government to ensure we have a ready supply for schools and frontline workers.”
Bundaberg is gearing up to produce bulk quantities of pure ethanol, a key ingredient in hand sanitiser. Dick says Bundy is set to provide enough of the good stuff for 500,000 bottles of sanitiser.
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But the state is hoping to recruit more businesses to pursue “untraditional production areas” in the fight against COVID-19.
It’s not without precedent, either: Aussie distillery Archie Rose has sold out of its own gin-infused hand sanitiser, and over in France, LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, has retooled its perfume production lines to assist in hand sanitiser production.
And in New York City, designer Christian Siriano and his team are working to provide healthcare workers with face masks as they battle the public health crisis.
A very productive day today. pic.twitter.com/UV0wN7b9yq
— Christian Siriano (@CSiriano) March 23, 2020
As it stands, QLD has tallied 319 cases of the virus within its borders. Yesterday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the state will be temporarily closing its borders to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Amid all of that chaos (and the closure of bars nationwide), it’s nice to know some of the nation’s most notable booze manufacturers are coming up with the goods.
If you think you may have coronavirus, either call your doctor (DON’T visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you’re struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
