Covid-19 Coronavirus update

Hello Everyone,

Just a couple of updates on the Covid 19 situation:

1. Our advice from HSE is that it is not advisable for any member of staff to travel to affected areas (as defined by HSE https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html). If it is necessary to travel to one of these areas, it will be assumed that you will 'self-isolate' for 14 days on your return.

2. Please see communication from IPU below to all members:( pharmacies will be receiving this notice)

Dear Colleague

1. Yesterday, the IPU had a discussion with officials in the Department of Health (DoH), HSE and PSI regarding the potential impact of a worsening Covid-19 outbreak on pharmacy services, medicine supplies to patients and continuity of patient care. Contingency plans to deal with potential scenarios are being developed including possible legislative changes that may be required. In the course of the discussion, we again raised concerns regarding the lack of pharmacy-specific information, advice and guidance from the DoH/HSE/PSI and the delay in issuing the personal protective equipment (PPE) to pharmacies.

2. We have since been told that pharmacy-specific information has been developed and will be issued by the Expert Advisory Group later today and published on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) website. We will notify you when the document is available. We also understand that PPE and the associated guidance on its use will be issued in the coming days.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments as they arise.

Please follow the attached link to communication from the PSI -

https://pharmacyregulator.newsweaver.com/designtestflyer/3tbubcj63ih16phai7j1br?email=true&a=6&p=4912346&t=1250949