MAKING face masks a requirement of entry for customers visiting pharmacies will be critical to minimising the potential impact of COVID-19 on Tasmanian pharmacies when the state reopens next week, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian Branch President, Helen O'Byrne, believes.
With the State's borders due to reopen from 15 Dec, O'Byrne said pharmacies needed to be prepared for the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission within the community.
O'Byrne said the most effective ways to mitigate against community transmission are to get vaccinated, adhere to social distancing, maintain good hand hygiene and wear a mask in enclosed areas.
"Pharmacists are front-line healthcare providers, and our community pharmacies are vital in ensuring the ongoing supply of medications for thousands of Tasmanians," she said.
"Since the very start of this pandemic community pharmacies across Australia have stayed open, remained accessible and continued to provide medication and health services.
"We want to make very sure that our Tasmanian pharmacies can continue to do so as we welcome back interstate and international travellers."
"If a community pharmacy is deemed to be an exposure site it may be required to close while the team undertake isolation and testing for a minimum of seven days.
"This would impact many people who rely on that pharmacy for their medications and other services, particularly if the pharmacy is located in a rural or regional area without another one close by, as many of our Tasmanian pharmacies are.
"Our members must protect their business including their staff, so we ask that people who are unwell with any type of cold or flu like symptoms do not visit their pharmacy but call to organise for their medication supplies to be delivered and importantly, to go get tested.
"Ultimately the decision to require people entering a community pharmacy to wear a mask rests with the owner of the business - however, it is an imperative that the supply of Pharmecutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medications is preserved.
"Wearing a mask is such a simple action and one we can all take to ensure the sick and vulnerable in our community have continued access to their medications."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 06 Dec 21
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