The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has launched a Covid-19 risk management tool to support pharmacy teams against an anticipated second wave of infections as lockdown restrictions have been lessened.
The risk assessment tool will help responsible pharmacists and employers to adopt a systematic approach to both assessing and managing the risks of Covid-19 in the community pharmacy as well as building resilience to prevent closures.
Mark Koziol, PDA Chairman said: “As the government has started to liberalise the lockdown, it is likely that the pharmacies will see even more activity. As healthcare professionals, we know how important it is to maintain infection control measures.
“A second wave of infections is anticipated and for pharmacists, especially those in a community pharmacy setting, this must be a time for extra caution as the risk of infection will likely increase”.
The pharmacists also need to prepare for supporting the test, track and tracing systems now being rolled out across the UK, the association has pointed out.
Following guidance from the GPhC earlier this week, the PDA aims to help pharmacists play their role in reducing the risks of Covid-19 in the pharmacy, and consider mitigating actions to reduce the risk of closure if the whole pharmacy team have to self-isolate, PDA said in a release.
