Pharmacy practice at COVID-19 Alert Level 3

New Zealand moves from COVID-19 Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday 28th April. Government advice for essential businesses for Level 3 remains the same as that for Level 4.

For pharmacy this has included managed entry into the pharmacy, physical distancing within the pharmacy, stringent hygiene measures, frequent cleaning, receipt of prescriptions by paperless means wherever possible, contactless sales wherever possible, and other approaches to reduce interactions such as home delivery, telephone counselling and information support.

Pharmacies should remain vigilant and continue to operate with these robust protocols because while the burden of disease in New Zealand is currently low, bubble size is expanding with the move to Level 3. More people will be moving around within their communities and use of various health services will increase. Vulnerable people remain at home during Level 3 so will continue to need additional support.

Key points include:

Prioritise work when under pressure and continue to adopt measures to ease pressure where possible e.g. closing for a period at lunchtime (ensure hours of opening are clearly visible on signs for the public and pharmacy website)
Measures to support business continuity such as split shifts should continue where possible
Access health and wellbeing resources to support pharmacy staff where required
Continue to liaise with your pharmacy portfolio manager about any workforce issues or additional workforce requirements
There is no need to record details of people attending the pharmacy during Alert Level 3 (confirmed with the Ministry of Health)
Further information about measures to protect patients and the pharmacy team, managing entry into the pharmacy, cleaning, delivery services and other updates can be found in the collaborative Pharmaceutical Society, Pharmacy Guild and Green Cross Health Pharmacy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic document.

Resources to support pharmacy health and wellbeing can be found on the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand website.

Updated Collaborative Document: Pharmacy Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic
This document developed by the professional support teams at the Pharmaceutical Society, the Pharmacy Guild and Green Cross Health has been updated today.