Pharmacists offer prescription advice

SYDNEY — The Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists is working to ensure Nova Scotians can continue to safely obtain prescription medications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The college has provided guidance to pharmacies so that the public can continue to be safe when accessing medications and health-care advice.

It is also asking for the public’s co-operation by communicating with pharmacy staff about when they will need medication and how it should obtained.

It also suggests asking a friend or relative to pick-up prescription medications if you are sick or have conditions that make you particularly vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19 or to consider taking advantage of the option for home delivery of medications offered by many pharmacies.

People can also check with their pharmacy to see if it provides curbside pickup for medications.

People are to always keep at least two metres (6 feet) away from others and use available hand sanitizers when entering and leaving the pharmacy.

Limit your visits to the pharmacy to only one member of your household and limit trips to only essential needs. This will make physical distancing easier for everyone. The college is thanking the public for their co-operation and patience with the temporary 30-day supply measure for prescription refills.

“We understand that this measure is financially difficult for some Nova Scotians,” Beverley Zwicker, CEO and registrar, Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists, wrote in a statement. “We are closely monitoring the situation at the national level and look forward to lifting this as soon as it is safe to do so.”