Table 3.
Measures taken during the onset of the pandemic (March–May 2020) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in community pharmacies
| Prevention of infection measures | Implemented in March–May 2020 |
Stopped in June–August 2020 |
Started at a later date (after September 2020) n (%) |
||
| Yes n (%) | No n (%) | Yes n (%) | No n (%) | ||
| Management of social distancing | 125 (96.2) | 5 (3.8) | * | 122 (93.8) | * |
| Premises adjustments such as barriers, screens | 124 (95.4) | 6 (4.6) | 115 (88.5) | 9 (6.9) | 5 (3.8) |
| Protocols for disinfection of pharmacy surfaces | 122 (93.8) | 8 (6.2) | 5 (3.8) | 122 (93.8) | 0 (0.0) |
| Public health information on preventing COVID-19 displayed | 120 (92.3) | 10 (7.7) | * | 119 (91.5) | * |
| Reduced face-to-face contact | 120 (92.3) | 10 (7.7) | 6 (4.6) | 116 (89.2) | 0 (0.0) |
| Lunchtime closing | 119 (91.5) | 11 (8.5) | 63 (48.5) | 55 (42.3) | * |
| Use of PPE by pharmacy staff | 115 (88.5) | 15 (11.5) | * | 116 (89.2) | 11 (8.5) |
| Changes to the use of the available space | 98 (75.4) | 32 (24.6) | 7 (5.4) | 92 (70.8) | * |
| Shorter opening hours | 87 (66.9) | 43 (33.1) | 69 (53.1) | 17 (13.1) | 0 (0.0) |
| Changes to staff working patterns | 64 (49.2) | 66 (50.8) | 9 (6.9) | 57 (43.8) | * |
*Not reported as less than 5, and potentially identifiable
PPE,personal protective equipment.