NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday urged states and healthcare professionals to consider rational use of personal protection equipment ( PPE ) even as it said availability of such products was rising and as many as 30 domestic manufacturers had begun production of items like masks.The government, which had recently said its target of making 10 lakh PPE available every week would be reached soon, added that orders for 1.7 crore PPE had been placed with domestic companies and supplies had started coming in.Highlighting the need to use these equipment optimally, Lav Agarwal , joint secretary in the health ministry, said, “There is no need for panic or fear regarding PPE. Everyone does not require all (components of) PPE. Our norms state that not only should PPE be made available, but they should be used rationally.”He added that PPE do not just mean coveralls but include other things like boots, gloves, N95 masks and headgear. The norms categorise use of PPE based on risk profile which has been classified into three categories — low risk, moderate risk and high risk. “Only high risk categories need all PPE,” Agarwal said. He said that even N95 masks should be used rationally as one mask could be used for eight hours. Besides, the Centre has also ordered 49,000 additional ventilators.