Queensland Police officers say there's a mask and sanitiser shortage

Queensland Police officers have said they do not have enough personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves to ensure their safety from COVID-19.

9News has seen emails sent to police after district bosses were briefed by the health department, saying "up to 40 per cent of the workforce will potentially be affected" by coronavirus.

There is also shortage of personal protective equipment, the email stated, so hand sanitiser should be "used sparingly" by officers so it can be "saved for use during the peak" of the outbreak.

Police were also told: "When dealing with a person displaying symptoms of COVID-19, get the patients to wear a face mask (not you) and maintain social distance.

"This in turn will preserve PPE stocks."

Police sources have told 9News while larger police stations are being supplied with some protective equipment smaller stations are being forced to find their own hand sanitiser and masks.

Three officers from Ipswich are currently being tested for coronavirus after they arrested a man for trespassing who was supposed to be in isolation.