Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Last update on 09.06.2020
COVID19, is severe acute respiratory syndrome of the Coronaviruses family. Identified on early January 2020, by the Chinese authorities. This virus has not previously been detected in humans or animals. Is still unknown how was transmitted to people, but it’s likely that it comes from an animal. A seafood market in Wuhan City, China is suspected as the original source cause illnesses such as the common cold.
Symptoms of this new Coronavirus are similar to influenza and may include: sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, temporary loss of smell, fever, coughing or difficulty breathing which is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention. If you have these symptoms or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please contact Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 .
If any of your pharmacy has been exposure to COVID19, please follow this flowchart to guide in case of possible staff exposure and management.
It is so important that you and your staff keep well informed and updated about this virus, we suggest you regularly visit the Ministry of Health website and Canterbury District Health Board in their COVID19 (Novel Coronavirus) site.
Also the Canterbury-Community HealthPathway website can provide you good guidelines, as well as the Canterbury Primary Response Group (CPRG) website and also their resources, guidlines, leafets and posters section.
The Pharmaceutical Society New Zealand (PSNZ) has a specific COVID -19 section please check for the most recent Sector Update titled ‘Pharmacy Practice During The COVID-19 Pandemic’ which provides relevant pharmacy specific information including dispensing changes related to COVID19.
PHARMAC updates can be found in the COVID19: PHARMAC’s Response site.
Find more information about the new COVID19 Case Definition published on the 16 of April by the MoH Click here.
Resources:
Please find below some important documents that you can download and print for your use:
2 M Distance Poster (Colour) printable.
2 M Distance Poster (Black & White) printable.
Pharmacy COVID19 Door Sign (editable and printable).
Poster One Month Dispensing by PHARMAC.
Poster Restrictions on Community Medicines during COVID19 by PHARMAC.
GUIDELINES:
Guidelines for Cleaning and Decontamination of assessment areas visited by customers suspected COVID-19 by CPRG and CCPG.
OST Guidelines during Lock-down and over Public Holiday periods by CCPG.
Community Pharmacy Update – Infection Prevention & Control Overview by CPRG.
COVID-19 – Primary Care Guidance on staff healthcare exposure by CDHB.
Electronic Prescription Guidelines during COVID19, by CCPG. Additional information of the New Rules from the Ministry of Health.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
The CPRG have developed a Community Pharmacy specific - Infection Prevention Control overview. We encourage you to follow CPRG Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment in conjunction with the following Ministry of Health -Personal protective equipment (PPE) used by community pharmacy for prevention of COVID-19. Click here to read more information.
Its good to know?
PPE packs are dispatched every Wednesday through your regular wholesaler. The packs contain face masks and hand sanitizer and are supplied by CPRG and CCPG.
Protection Equipment (PPE) Request:
If you require further PPE pack or a replacement, please request on the CPRG order form. If it is urgent please indicate on your request in the comments box.
Cleaning routine:
-Routine cleaning of your facility will not require the supplied PPE pack.
-Please refer to the resources section above for the instruction sheet if you need to undertake cleaning and decontamination of your facility in the unlikely event of an infectious customer receiving care within your facility.
locum PHARMACIST REQUEST:
The Canterbury Community Pharmacy Group (CCPG), in collaboration with the CPRG, has collated a list of Locums available to work during the lockdown period.
If your Pharmacy requires Locum support, please complete your request by 3pm the day before. A request is required for each new need that you require Locum support.
The Locum Pharmacist/Technician Request Form can be found here.
Once a Locum Pharmacist request is received, CCPG will contact its list of Locums to confirm availability and provide the Pharmacy with the contact details of those Locums who confirmed their availability. It is the Pharmacy’s responsibility to follow up with the Locums on the list provided to arrange cover for the Pharmacy’s needs.
NOTE. Pharmacies are responsible for health and safety requirements and to arrange and provide payment to any Locum they contract.
Locum Pharmacist register:
If you are a Locum wanting to register to join the list of Locums Pharmacist available, please fill out your details and your availability here.
Keep calm and keep vaccinating!
The MoH and the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) are offering the following guidance on maintaining the essential immunisation in the New Zealand National Immunisation Schedule (NIS) during the current situation.
Maintaining the following programmes is our highest priority:
influenza vaccination to high risk groups including those aged 65 and over and frontline workers.
the infant programme, particularly to maintain control for measles and pertussis.
Some of the strategies being used to slow the spread of COVID-19 in communities include postponing or cancelling non-urgent elective procedures and using telemedicine instead of face-to-face encounters. Read More…
Please visit the IMAC website for the latest update of the influenza immunisation programme 2020, as frequently changed.
Manage your Medicines
To help you understand your medicines better ask your pharmacists or prescriber to help you to take your medicine as intended. For more information click here.
Read information about your medicine or medical conditions at www.mymedicines.nz/cdhb and www.healthinfo.org.nz.
After Hours Pharmacies
Information about all after hours options available to patients can be found on the Canterbury DHB website.
A list of pharmacies and their hours is on the Healthpoint website.