Sheffield pharmacies ask customers to be patient as demand soars during coronavirus crisis

The pharmacy teams have seen demand for over-the-counter medicines, other products, advice and reassurance soar.

The teams, who are working under intense pressure, have asked customers to avoid pharmacies if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, be patient with them as they work to fill prescriptions and offer advice, and order medicines as normal, without stockpiling.

The Chair of Community Pharmacy Sheffield said: “Community pharmacy teams are a really important part of the NHS, and like all other NHS workers they are under immense pressure at the moment.

“We are today asking patients and members of the public to take some very simple steps to help protect these teams so that pharmacies can continue to carry out their critical roles and ensure that everyone continues to get the medicines, help and support they need, when they need it.”

Pharmacies will remain open wherever possible, but some branches may reduce the hours during which they can admit members of the public.

This is to ensure that pharmacy teams can prepare medicines and restock shelves so that these vital services can continue safely.

COVID-19 Symptoms

a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back

a new, continuous cough – coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

Do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital, see the online NHS service