Guidance for pharmacies : guidance for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in community pharmacies during the COVID-19 response

Updated Nov. 13, 2020This guidance applies to all pharmacy staff to minimize their risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and reduce the risk for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a vital part of the healthcare system, pharmacies play an important role in providing medicines, therapeutics, vaccines, and critical health services to the public. Ensuring continuous function of pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic is important. During the pandemic, pharmacy staff can minimize their risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 and reduce the risk for patients by using the principles of infection prevention and control and social distancing.Summary of Recent ChangesAs of November 3, 2020\u2022 Updated guidance about cleaning and disinfecting self-serve blood pressure units for safe use. See blood pressure unit guidance below.As of May 28, 2020:\u2022 Provide clinical services according to the Framework for Healthcare Systems Providing Non-COVID-19 Clinical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic, which includes considerations for delivering non-COVID-19 care by the degree of community transmission and potential for patient harm if care is deferred.Universal use of face coverings for source control -- Advice for sick staff -- Filling prescriptions -- Strategies to minimize close contact -- COVID-19 testing and other close-contact services -- Provide adult vaccinations based on local conditions -- For Clinics: Special considerations when co-located in pharmacies.2020867