Urgent advice issued to NI pharmacies amid Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

The advice was issued by CPO Cathy Harrison after pharmacies responded to the introduction of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 which was introduced here at 11.00pm on Saturday March 28, 2020.

"The recent announcement on social distancing has raised some concerns from community pharmacy employers committed to maintaining services whilst adhering to guidance and legislation to protect their staff and the public, said Northern Ireland's CPO.

"All community pharmacies in Northern Ireland should open for business as normal and continue to follow the specific guidance for pharmacies in the HSCB Community Pharmacy FAQs and the Staff Protection Checklist which is available at: www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/3124.htm as well as general guidance on social distancing available at: www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus.

"The FAQs will be updated on an ongoing basis with new questions or updates to answers in response to the latest information and guidance becoming available," she explained.

The Staff Protection Checklist for community pharmacies in Northern Ireland include:

- Assign 2 COVID staff leads if possible and allocate key roles to each staff member in protecting the team (delivery driver to be included).

- Daily staff updates to all staff (including delivery staff) on key priorities and guidance changes – Use notice boards if needed.

- Keep everyone at least 2 metres (approximately 3 steps) apart.

- Rotate staff on a regular basis on the counter to minimise patient contact