How Pharmacies Are Handling COVID-19

Today, news outlets are swarming with COVID-19 facts and statistics. When they're not giving you the facts, they're sharing stories about how frontline workers, like doctors and nurses are handling the outbreak. Unfortunately, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are left out of the "frontline hero" spotlight. Since I work at a large local retail pharmacy as a technician, I decided to shine light on how pharmacy workers are keeping themselves, their staff, and their community safe. At 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 31 I took at deeper look into what was being done.

Work From Home

Chris Baldini, a clinical pharmacist for a large insurance company, is able to work from home during the outbreak. Those who are able to work from home are provided with a company laptop and phone. Due to privacy reasons, the company asks that its employees find a quiet and private place in their house to work.

No Days Off

Just because some pharmacists get to work from home doesn't mean they get to slack off! Chris Baldini works from morning to evening, Monday-Friday, to prevent/fix insurance issues and keep patients happy. Due to COVID-19, insurance companies are constantly busy. His day consists of continuous phone calls to pharmacies, patients, and doctors offices.

Retail Pharmacy's Response

Retail pharmacies implement new safety features everyday as more COVID-19 cases develop. Jessica, a pharmacist with CVS pharmacy, shows what they have been doing to try to keep their staff healthy. One of the big things CVS is promoting now is drive through and delivery for medication. Retail pharmacy chains are also trying to make due with that they have. Jessica shows us how they're using tables in front of their cash registers to promote social distancing.

Delivery

Retail pharmacy chains are promoting delivery of prescriptions to the patients house. Deliveries limit face to face interaction between the patient and pharmacy staff. Prescriptions for you and your pet can be delivered right to your door. Pictured above is Chris Baldini getting his prescriptions delivered for his dog, Gizmo.