Coronavirus Update From Alliance Pharmacy

Posted 17 March 2020

With the coronavirus outbreak our 150+ Australian pharmacies are committed to protecting the well being of you, your family and the community.

We want you to know that we're taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus and provide you with information to help you and your family protect yourself from the virus.

Preventative Measures At Our Pharmacy:

+ Our staff have had up to date training on infection prevention and control

+ We are regularly cleaning countertops and are undertaking regular handwashing and hand sanitation
 
+ We are practicing social distancing i.e. avoiding handshakes, kissing and other physical contact in the pharmacy and maintaining a minimum distance of one metre between employees and customers 

+ We are self monitoring for signs of illness and self-isolating or reporting illness to managers to avoid exposure to the community

+ We are encouraging customers to call us directly to discuss their needs in advance of coming to the pharmacy if they are feeling unwell. 

Stock Availability

We understand you and your family are concerned about being able to buy products that you need but request you limit the quantity of stock you purchase to best serve the interests of the community, particularly those that are vulnerable to the virus.

National Coronavirus Hotline

If you have concerns about contact with a possible coronavirus case or have related respiratory symptoms, contact the Central Patient COVID-19 Triage Hotline on 1800 020 080 for assistance. 

Advice from the World Health Organisation

With the current global outbreak of the Coronavirus (aka COVID-19), it is important to take appropriate measures to ensure you and your family are keeping safe. Please read the below public advice provided by the World Health Organization.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Cover you mouth & nose when coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Wash surfaces that are touched frequently such as door handles
  • Be mindful of those around you
  • When cooking foods such as eggs or chicken, ensure these are well cooked
  • Isolate yourself for 14 days if you have any of the coronavirus symptoms & seek medical attention

WHAT NOT TO DO:

  • Spit in public
  • Be in close contact with people when couging or experiencing a fever
  • Travel knowing you have coronavirus symptoms

COMMON SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Dry cough
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing

Sources: 
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public 
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

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