Community pharmacies in countries across the globe are using their unique abilities as the most accessible health service to help patients as cases of Covid 19 spread internationally.
 
Pharmacies are taking a range of measures including providing information and advice to their communities and patients about the disease:
   

• How to identify symptoms;
• Managing risks by good hygiene practice including frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds;
• Using hand sanitisers when handwashing is not an option;
• Using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes;
• Avoiding if practical crowded locations where the disease may spread;

• Telephoning the pharmacy, GP or health helpline for advice if concerned about symptoms.

Pharmacies are fielding calls from worried patients and can provide advice appropriate to the patient, for example older patients with underlying health conditions that make them particularly susceptible to serious illness if they contract the virus. They are also playing an important role in managing supplies of medicines and other products, like hand sanitisers and face masks, to help minimise the adverse impact of stockpiling and panic buying, which add to the risk of virus spreading.
 
World Pharmacy Council President George Tambassis said: Pharmacies have a vital role in providing information and guidance to citizens across the globe, helping the effort to manage the spread and impact of this new virus, and helping to ensure that everyone plays their part in minimising the risk of contracting or passing on the virus.