As hospitals, healthcare centres and
laboratories struggle to deal with the growing need for medical
treatment, the logistics industry continues to deliver vital
resources to the frontline. Due to the widespread and fast-moving
impact of COVID-19, medical providers have put out calls for urgent
help from other industries.

One of the most needed resources in the
fight against coronavirus is additional cold storage facilities. Much
of the medication being used to treat the symptoms of the virus and
provide lifesaving care requires careful storage and handling. To
ensure patient safety and drug efficacy, temperature regulation is
vital. By preventing the degradation of medicine, portable medical
refrigeration enables healthcare providers to access the resources
they need on the frontline. However, effective temperature control
isn’t only required in order to treat patients experiencing
symptoms of COVID-19 or other life-threatening illnesses.

Testing Kit Refrigeration Across The
UK

In order to undertake accurate testing,
medics need access to freezers, cold rooms and fridges. Keeping
samples and swabs chilled or frozen protects their integrity until
analysis takes place. Due to this, testing can only be undertaken
when failproof refrigeration facilities are available.

With demand for testing at an all-time high, the need for medical refrigeration hire has never been greater. Fortunately, healthcare centres are expanding their facilities by adding portable freezer trailers and mobile cold storage rooms on their sites. Similarly, laboratories and research centres are making use of temporary medical refrigeration facilities as they develop potential vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.

As an integral element of the medical
supply chain, mobile refrigeration units and trailers are
fast-becoming one of the most sought-after resources in the UK. While
the medical industry is receiving priority by the vast majority of
suppliers and manufacturers, there are various other sectors which
are also relying on portable refrigeration and freezer trailers.

Portable Freezer Trailers Keep
Businesses Afloat

Every industry has been affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s not surprising that many businesses are
struggling to keep their heads above water. While some sectors are
responding to increased demand, others are immobilised under the
current lockdown restrictions and guidelines.

In some cases, sectors are split in
terms of how they’re impacted by the outbreak. In the food and
beverage industry, for example, supermarkets are increasing their
operations to ensure shelves remain stocked, while dairy farmers are
experiencing unprecedented losses.

Similarly, the demand for food delivery
services has significantly increased in response to lockdown and
social distancing measures, while the restaurant division remains
unable to operate.

In times of economic boom, companies
generate increased revenue by diversifying their brand. Many
businesses are using the same technique to overcome the financial
impact that COVID-19 is having on their organisation.

Eateries who are unable to open their
doors have diversified into delivery-only outlets, for example.
Catering firms that once operated within the B2B market are now
focusing solely on B2C sales instead. Manufacturers are using
increased automation to facilitate their continued operations in line
with medical guidance.

While innovative diversification will
enable businesses to ride out the storm, it is the logistics industry
which represents a vital cog in the infrastructure. No matter how
businesses adjust in order to remain operational, they are dependent
on secure, reliable logistics to access the materials they need and
deliver their products to their newfound customer base.

As major food suppliers are holding
more stock and generating higher than average sales, portable
industrial freezer facilities are needed on a major scale. In
addition to hygienic storage space for non-perishable consumer goods,
businesses are using generator-powered freezer trailers to create
temperature-controlled storage centres so that they can meet their
customers’ needs.

Surprisingly, it isn’t just
businesses who are operating at maximum capacity that are actively
seeking out additional resources. Companies that have been left with
a surplus of stock are also making use of temporary refrigeration
trailers in an attempt to minimise waste and reduce financial losses.

Rebuilding the Economy

The Government is under increasing
pressure to reveal their proposed exit strategy so that citizens know
what the future holds. As yet, however, no formal announcements have
been made. For businesses, the uncertainty over operational
restrictions, safety and market conditions places additional pressure
on organisations that are already feeling the strain.

With lockdown set to remain in place in
the UK for the foreseeable future, the demand for reliable logistics
services will continue to increase. As firms work around the clock to
provide support to critical industries, logistics companies aren’t
just enabling us to prepare for the future; they’re helping to
create it.