In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a local brewery has diversified to help meet the needs of frontline workers. In recent weeks, Magor Brewery – Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I has produced hand sanitiser instead of beer to help tackle a nationwide shortage. This week, the brewery donated the results of its work – 1,000 litres of hand sanitiser – to Monmouthshire County Council’s social care teams working across the area.

Paula Lindenberg, President, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, said: “Demand for alcohol-based hand sanitiser has continued to increase in the UK, and there’s already a shortage. We at Budweiser Brewing Group are so grateful for the heroic efforts of our UK frontline workers, and in this unprecedented time we want to turn our attention to supporting public health efforts and ensuring those around us can stay safe and healthy.”

The sanitiser will now be available to the council’s Operations teams, who will use it in domiciliary care, the Mon Meals service, in care homes, and by recycling & waste workers.

“We will use it not only as a hand sanitiser but to sanitise the insides of vehicle cabs between shifts, on workstations and in premises,” an Operations spokesperson for the  council said. “It will go a long way towards ensuring that we are providing safe conditions for those staff who need to work in the community and the public we provide services for. We are very grateful for this fantastic donation.”