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Coronavirus (COVID-19): business continuity guidance (11/3/2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving public health situation. The information in this document is intended to support you in reviewing your existing business continuity plan (BCP). We will review and update this document as relevant. The latest version of this document is accessible from the NPA website’s dedicated webpage on Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.npa.co.uk/coronavirus-updates/

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that has not been previously seen in humans. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses and there are several known coronaviruses that infect people and usually only cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold. However, at least two previously identified coronaviruses have caused severe disease.

Refer to GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public) and NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/) for updated clinical information on symptoms of COVID-19 and advice to the public, including the UK Government information on the latest approach to tackling this infectious disease.

UK Government and the World Health Organisation responsesThe UK Government has an action plan https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan), and the Scottish Government has published its response (https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-summary-of-response-arrangements-in-scotland/) to date. The 4 phases of the UK's approach are:1. Containment - caring for any infected people and identifying their close contacts2. Delay - deciding what actions to take to slow down the spread3. Research - constant and ongoing work to inform the three other phases4. Mitigate - damage limitation if the virus spreads widely

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the outbreak meets the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but has stopped short of attributing "pandemic" status to coronavirus. The WHO has upgraded the global risk of the coronavirus outbreak to "very high" - its top level of risk assessment.

NPA Insurance statement

You may have read that several insurers are not covering their policy holders for financial losses stemming from Covid-19. In response to mounting enquiries and concerns from our members regarding Covid-19 business interruption cover issues, we are pleased to provide the following guidance.

©The National Pharmacy Association March 2020. Produced by the Pharmacy Services team.Direct Dial: 01727 891 800 Email: [email protected] Online: www.npa.co.uk

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-summary-of-response-arrangements-in-scotland/

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-summary-of-response-arrangements-in-scotland/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan



https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/


https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public


https://www.npa.co.uk/coronavirus-updates/


We would like to reassure you that if a policy holder with business interruption insurance receives an enforced instruction to close, our cover will respond. In addition, if the circumstances apply, NPAI will arrange a deep clean to enable policy holders to open their premises and recommence trading as quickly as possible.

In the event you receive an instruction to close or have any general concerns, please contact the claims team on the number below as a matter of urgency. One of our dedicated professional claims handlers will be able to provide specialist advice and where necessary, identify and instruct contractors to carry out the work which meets the standards and criteria required by PHE or appropriate body.

As you will understand, this is a dynamic situation and one we shall continue to monitor and shape our position with reference to evolving Government strategy.

NPAI General Claims Team: 0800 4960426 (9am to 5pm)

Professional considerationsThe pharmacy business continuity plan (BCP) should ensure compliance with professional, regulatory and legislative requirements. Key principles of a robust BCP to help ensure patient safety should include: Risk assessment and management Safeguarding Good governance Due diligence

The General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC’s) standards for registered pharmacy premises and for pharmacy professional can be accessed here: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/standards

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI’s) code of ethics for pharmacists and standards for pharmacy practice and premises can be accessed here: https://www.psni.org.uk/psni/about/code-of-ethics-and-standards/

Business continuity planningThis should include considering the impact on the pharmacy business, the employees and patients. Pharmacy business continuity planning should focus on reduction of the impact of the situation by: Reducing the incidence of the disease Delivering an effective response


https://www.psni.org.uk/psni/about/code-of-ethics-and-standards/

https://www.psni.org.uk/psni/about/code-of-ethics-and-standards/

https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/standards


A Business Continuity Lead (BCL) should be appointed to manage the planning and implementation of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP). The BCL can be the pharmacy owner, superintendent pharmacist, or another senior member of the pharmacy business team. The BCL is responsible for: Taking strategic decisions Taking ownership of the planning process Communication to all internal and external stakeholders (suppliers, customers, patients, local

healthcare providers, etc.) Allocation of all other key roles and responsibilities.

BCP considerationsGiven the nature of the BCP, and the speed with which the impact of the virus could affect the business, the BCL should ensure adequate and wide allocation of tasks and responsibilities so that the BCP can be carried out effectively. There are four main stages to consider which are described below in more detail:

Stage 1: Plan for itHow will you identify essential roles and services, and reduce the health risks to pharmacy employees, locums and patients, and methods to reduce the economic impact on the pharmacy business? For example, review SOPs / who to delegate? Identify key roles and responsibilities, who carries them out?

Pharmacy ServicesThe BCP should include a list of all services provided by the pharmacy, both NHS and private. This will help the BCL to determine which services should be prioritised in the event of staff shortages due to illness. The BCL should ensure NHS contracted services are prioritised over private services. In the event of staff shortages where these services cannot be delivered you must follow the process of informing the relevant NHS team (for example for England the NHS England Area Team) to seek their advice before curtailing services to ensure you are not in breach of contract.

Health and SafetyThe pharmacy business has an obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act to take all possible steps to safeguard the health of its employees. NPA’s business partner, Ellis Whittam, has produced guidance on actions to take from a health and safety perspective to keep staff safe. The pharmacy business will need to balance risk to employees whilst remaining open to provide essential services to its patients/customers. Factors for consideration include those listed in the box below.

Action points for consideration: What constitutes an acceptable level of risk to pharmacy employees/locums within the

pharmacy business/premises?


Plan for it Keep it out Manage it Recover from it

https://elliswhittam.com/blog/coronavirus-employment-and-health-and-safety-advice/


What steps can be taken to eliminate or minimise the risk? How will consent be gained to monitor and record the health of employees? At what point the risk is deemed unacceptable and the pharmacy business/premises may need

to be closed

Potential issuesEmployee/locum absences are likely to be due to illness, staying at home to care for ill relatives or staying at home to look after children as a result of school closures.

Other indirect issues may be: Disruption of the employee/locum levels due to the impact of absence/transportation factors Availability of services from suppliers and sub-contractors Change in demand for goods and services from customers/patients

Proposed actions / considerations Who?INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION Seek information from appropriate agencies/organisations – Government (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus), Local Authorities etc. Use the NPA’s dedicated webpage (https://www.npa.co.uk/coronavirus-updates/) to keep up to date with the latest developmentsEstablish stages and triggers for escalation of responseIdentify mechanisms required for alerting employees/locums to changes in the situation of COVID-19Contact information for local drug action teams should be accessible to all employees in the event of a pharmacy closureProposed actions / considerations Who?Contact information for the local Health Protection Team (https://www.gov.uk/health-protection-team) (England/Scotland), Health and Social Care Board (Northern Ireland) should be readily accessible to all employees (Public Health Wales is contacted through NHS 111) in the event a possible case is transferred from the pharmacy Consider how the following will be communicated with employees/locums so that they have full understanding of the impact of the infectious agent and to lessen the potential for unnecessary absence The pharmacy business’ preparedness to manage the situation The health and safety issues, leave arrangements and management in the

event of a workplace shutdown Hygiene and safety messages to minimise risk


https://www.gov.uk/health-protection-team




https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus


Consult and communicate with all potential stakeholders A list of key contact details required are available on page 12 of the Novel

coronavirus (COVID-19) standard operating procedure for community pharmacy (https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-standard-operating-procedures-for-primary-care-settings/)

Establish the method and means of ongoing communication

OPERATIONSIdentify methods of infection control within the business / premisesPurchase contingency supplies (antibacterial soaps, extra hand towels etc.)Obtain Personal protective equipment (PPE) Declutter and remove all non-essential furnishings in the designated isolation room/area to allow effective cleaningIdentify if/how infrastructure needs to facilitate home working (for non-patient facing employees such as those working in the pharmacy head office, or administrative staff)Identify essential service providers to the business (e.g. production, facilities, air conditioning services etc.)Identify non-time dependant tasks that can be postponed until after the infection period is overEnsure appropriate stock management The government has advised against stockpiling Ensure pharmacy team are vigilant against patients trying to stockpile

medicines - both over the counter (OTC) and prescription medicines Be conscious of medicines regulations on emergency supplies and OTC

restrictions on sale and supply of certain medicines Be mindful of chemical regulations and sale of alcohol etcEMPLOYEES Ensure robust policies and procedures are in place to protect travelling employees in order to manage travel risk effectively – conduct travel risk assessments and refer to Ellis Whittam (https://elliswhittam.com/blog/coronavirus-employment-and-health-and-safety-advice/) and The Institution of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) (https://www.iosh.com/more/news-listing/coronavirus-seven-ways-to-protect-travelling-employees/) for further guidanceEnsure employees/locums update all current contact information emergency contacts and next of kinEnsure an updated contact list is available for employees/locum able to work extra hours in the event of staff illnesses Collate a contact list of all readily available locums (ensure staff know

where to find this list) – discuss any carer commitments or plans they may


https://www.iosh.com/more/news-listing/coronavirus-seven-ways-to-protect-travelling-employees/






https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-standard-operating-procedures-for-primary-care-settings/






have Identify any ex- employees that have recently left or retired who can be

drafted in if required in the event of staff shortagesIdentify any employees with an underlying health condition that increases their risk factor for the virus and ensure that appropriate additional measures are in place to protect themReview the pharmacy delivery service Establish how many patients the pharmacy delivers to If the delivery driver is no longer available does the pharmacy have a

backup If there is an increase in requests for home deliveries particularly from

patients with COVID-19 or in isolation consider safeguards that would need to be put in place to enable you to make those deliveries

NPA members using Pro Delivery Manager (PDM) can use the functionality to flag to delivery drivers if the patient they are delivering to is in isolation/self-isolating. PDM will also give the driver a default delivery note, which will give instruction by the pharmacist on how to adhere to their SOP. For example, this could be to ‘leave in porch and ring the patient to advise’

Establish HR policies (e.g. working at home (applicable for non-patient facing staff) absence arrangements, quarantine periods etc.)Identify essential roles and assess core employee/locum and skill requirements. Allocate key roles and tasks. For example, consider appointing a coronavirus (COVID-19) lead within the pharmacy business. Identify back up arrangements for essential roles.Review pharmacy standard operating procedures (SOPs) and identify key roles and responsibilities of employees Use NPA delegation of responsibilities

(https://www.npa.co.uk/information-and-guidance/delegation-of-responsibilities/) document alongside SOPs

Consider if a certain staff member became ill who else can fulfil their responsibilities (for example managing repeat dispensing or ordering stock)

Consider if the accuracy checking technician (ACT) is not available – who else can accuracy check and how will this impact on the pharmacists workload (this may have an impact on the delivery of services)

Consider which services will be most affected due to staff shortages or lack of suitably trained staff

Ensure that staff are trained to carry out relevant roles as per the regulatory requirements to ensure that patient safety is not jeopardised

FINANCEDetermine the impact on the financial elements of the business and revise


https://www.npa.co.uk/information-and-guidance/delegation-of-responsibilities/




forecasts Consider the business policies on pay –Further advice is available on the Ellis Whittam website (https://elliswhittam.com/blog/coronavirus-employment-and-health-and-safety-advice/)

Stage 2: Keep it outHow will your plan keep the infectious disease out of the pharmacy business by controlling or eliminating any clusters of the disease?

Proposed actions / considerations Who?INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION Obtain updated information on status of the situation through the GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public) website Communicate key information to employeesDisplay posters and if applicable use screen messages promoting handwashing, respiratory hygiene and patient information in the pharmacyProvide infection control measures (antibacterial soaps, tissues, screens etc.)Establish and adhere to proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette policies, as guided by national recommendations, to prevent the spread of diseaseOPERATIONSIntroduce additional workplace cleaning measures - frequent and effective cleaning of the pharmacy as detailed in the NHS Community Pharmacy Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) (https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-standard-operating-procedures-for-primary-care-settings/) and consider the following action points Ensure all employees are aware where cleaning materials are stored Hard surface cleaning should be carried out with neutral detergent,

followed by a disinfectant solution on a daily basis. Wipe down surfaces, door handles and other frequently touched surfaces

regularly Cups, dishes and cutlery should be washed in hot soapy water Tea towels should be replaced by disposable paper towels Magazines, papers and books should be removed from common areas Where air conditioning units are in use the supplier should be contacted

for adviceRefer to Appendices 2 and 3 for methods to prevent spread of infection, and hand-washing SOP and implement within the pharmacy














Review regularly/daily/weekly/more frequently as relevantDetermine what wholesaler delivery drivers do when they deliver stock Establish if they come all the way into the pharmacy If it appears they may be unwell, establish if the delivery can be taken in

from the premises door EMPLOYEESConsider the following action points to prevent the spread of the infectious disease Not allowing people with symptoms to attend work Defining a quarantine period before allowing a return to work Communicating personal hygiene messages – for example, regular hand-

washing, use of alcohol based hand cleaning products, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing, use of disposable tissues, avoidance of hand to eye, nose and mouth contact

Use of hygiene notices and information to employees/locums and customers/patients

Restricting non-essential meetings and travel – mostly applicable for larger businesses where operational/administrative staff may visit several pharmacy brancheso Consider undertaking these meetings remotely

Avoiding public transport, staff rooms and recreational facilities such as gyms

Considering use of alternative means for those who use public transportConsider the essential services that can be provided outside of the pharmacy premises and potential members of the pharmacy employees/locums for delivering those servicesIdentify measures to minimise the introduction or spread of the disease (consider prohibiting all non-essential travel/meetings, social distancing, increased workplace cleaning etc.Activate contingency work plans (as applicable – could non-patient facing employees work from home?)

Stage 3: Manage it



How can the impact of the infection/disease be reduced/eliminated from within the pharmacy business?

Proposed actions / considerations Who?INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION Refer to guidance and SOPs produced by the governing bodies and regulators in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales regarding isolation and decontamination OPERATIONSClose affected area; any area of the pharmacy premises used to isolate a potential coronavirus (COVID-19) patient should not be used until it is cleaned as advised by the NHS Community Pharmacy SOP (https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-standard-operating-procedures-for-primary-care-settings/)If affected, contact the NPA Insurance Claims line for advice and if necessary a deep clean will be arranged Contact NPA Insurance General Claims Team: 0800 4960426 (9am to 5pm)The possibility of a workplace closure should be discussed with employees and other stakeholders as soon as the situation changes significantly

Country Contact advice England The pharmacy should not close unless advised by Health

Protection Team (https://www.gov.uk/health-protection-team)

NHS contract holders must notify the local commissioning team of the incident

Northern Ireland

The pharmacy should not close unless advised by Health and Social Services Board

NHS contract holders must notify the Regional Board of the incident

Scotland The pharmacy should check the requirements of their NHS Health Board – guidance may be available on the NHS Health Board’s website

The pharmacy must inform the Pharmacy Contracts Team and the primary care team pharmacy leads of the closure

The pharmacy must display a notice to inform patients where urgent prescriptions can be dispensed

Wales The pharmacy should not close unless advised by Public Health Wales through contacting NHS 111

NHS contract holders must notify the Local Health Board of the incident

Restrict movement within the pharmacy business/premises – depending on










the size of your pharmacy business/premises, non-patient facing staff – may not be applicable in many casesIdentify a system for notification of infectious personsInvestigate and follow up any suspected casesIsolate those affectedSupport those affectedIf a cleaning service is used, check if they will continue their service if a COVID-19 patient is identified in the pharmacy or a member of staff becomes ill- Check their policy in health infection situationsEMPLOYEESContact the local Health Protection Team (England/Scotland) (https://www.gov.uk/health-protection-team) , Health and Social Care Board (Northern Ireland), Public Health Wales through NHS 111 (Wales) if employees have been in contact with a suspected case Consider the following suggested plan for the management of employees who become ill: If a person feels ill or if someone else suspects that another person has

symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) at work they should refer to the NHS.UK website for information on symptoms (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ )

If the employee does have symptoms that match those listed they should be treated as a suspect case and the coronavirus (COVID-19) contact notification form should be completed by the line manager and passed to the BCL / HR (Appendix 1)

The manager should determine the quarantine period and the employee should be advised to go home and seek advice from 111

If the employee does not have symptoms that match those on the list, they are very unlikely to have coronavirus (COVID-19) but should be advised to call their GP/111 if they are still concerned

Thorough workstation cleaning should be arranged to minimise the risk of further infection

Complete the COVID-19 notification form (Appendix 1) if employees have been in contact with a suspected case

Stage 4: Recover from it







How can the recovery of people, and return to normal service provision within the shortest possible timeframe, be achieved/expedited?

Actions Who?OPERATIONSConsider the following What are the essential elements of the business? How will shortage of supplies affect business activity?Conduct an evaluation exercise to assess the effectiveness of the business continuity arrangementsUpdate the business continuity plan as appropriateReview regularly/daily/weekly/more frequently as relevantEMPLOYEESIdentify the core people and services required to maintain business activity and consider the following: What are the critical numbers of people required to provide each essential

service? Who are the core people required to keep the business running? What are the core skills required for those roles? How will we communicate and prepare those employees/locums for

transfer? At what point should you stand down non-essential employees/locums to

minimise the risk of essential employees/locums being exposed to the virus?

How will we minimise the risk to employees/locums identified as able to provide back up support?

What employees/locums in other areas/parts of the pharmacy business have the required skills to undertake core roles and how easily can they be transferred across?

Plan and initiate a process for return to work for employees fit to return – refer to GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-guidance-for-healthcare-providers-with-staff-who-have-travelled-to-china/guidance-for-healthcare-providers-healthcare-workers-who-have-travelled-to-china) for further guidanceConsider the method of communicating with employees/locums about a return to work Establish the criteria and process for agreeing a return to business as normal

References and further reading:


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-guidance-for-healthcare-providers-with-staff-who-have-travelled-to-china/guidance-for-healthcare-providers-healthcare-workers-who-have-travelled-to-china





UK-wide

GOV – Coronavirus latest information and advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#number-of-cases

NHS – Coronavirus (COVID-19) : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

WHO – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

National guidance on managing coronavirus infection in pregnancy: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/national-guidance-on-managing-coronavirus-infection-in-pregnancy-published/

WHO – Use of masks and advice : https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

NHS conditions: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Ellis Whittam : https://elliswhittam.com/blog/coronavirus-employment-and-health-and-safety- advice/

The Institution of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) : https://www.iosh.com/more/news-listing/coronavirus-seven-ways-to-protect-travelling-employees/

England

NHSE&I – Coronavirus: Patient pathway and letter: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-patient-pathway/

NHSE&I – COVID-19 page : https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/

NHSE&I – Coronavirus: Standard operating procedure for community pharmacy: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-standard-operating-procedures-for-primary-care-settings/

PHE – Campaign Resources (Posters) : https://www.npa.co.uk/information-and-guidance/coronavirus-posters/

Scotland

Health Protection Scotland – COVID-19 guidance for pharmacies:


https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/web-resources-container/covid-19-advice-for-pharmacies/

https://www.npa.co.uk/information-and-guidance/coronavirus-posters/



https://www.npa.co.uk/information-and-guidance/covid-19-advice-and-guidance/

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-patient-pathway/

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/coronavirus-patient-pathway/






https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/national-guidance-on-managing-coronavirus-infection-in-pregnancy-published/



https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019


https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#number-of-cases

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public#number-of-cases



Health Protection Scotland – COVID-19 guidance for primary care: https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2930/documents/1_covid-19-guidance-for-primary-care.pdf

Health Protection Scotland – COVID-19 Information and Guidance for non-healthcare settings: https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2973/documents/1_COVID-19-Guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings.pdf

Wales

Public Health Wales – FAQs, Posters and advice for the public and professionals: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Public Health Wales – Briefing update : https://www.npa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SHORTBRIEFING_PHWtemplate_Wuhan_pneumonia_Jan23_2020_2020-03_FINAL.pdf

Northern Ireland

Public Health Agency – Situation in Northern Ireland: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

Public Health Agency – Advice and posters on COVID-19: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/advice-covid-19-coronavirus

Department of Health – COVID-19 updates : https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/coronavirus

Health and Social Care Board – Community pharmacy preparations for COVID-19: https://www.npa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cover-Letter-Covid-19-Community-Pharmacy-SOP.pdf

Public Health Agency – Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) standard operating procedure: https://www.npa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cover-Letter-Covid-19-Community-Pharmacy-SOP.pdf

Disclaimer: The information published is, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of publication. However, no responsibility will be accepted for any consequences of decisions made using this information.


https://www.npa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cover-Letter-Covid-19-Community-Pharmacy-SOP.pdf






https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/advice-covid-19-coronavirus

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/advice-covid-19-coronavirus

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

https://www.npa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SHORTBRIEFING_PHWtemplate_Wuhan_pneumonia_Jan23_2020_2020-03_FINAL.pdf

https://www.npa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SHORTBRIEFING_PHWtemplate_Wuhan_pneumonia_Jan23_2020_2020-03_FINAL.pdf

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2973/documents/1_COVID-19-Guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings.pdf

https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2973/documents/1_COVID-19-Guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings.pdf

https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2930/documents/1_covid-19-guidance-for-primary-care.pdf





APPENDIX 1: NOTIFICATION & CONTACTS FORM FOR INTERNAL USE IF REQUIRED (e.g. for branches to communicate relevant information to head office/superintendent pharmacist/owner as applicable)

NameDepartmentDate symptoms beganSymptoms noticedCough Fever Headache Cold Shortness of breath Body aches Fatigue Other __________________________________________

Date employee sent home Quarantine period 14 days

Contacts are defined as: Living in the same household with a confirmed case Direct or face to face contact with a confirmed case for any length of time Close physical (less than 2 metres) for longer than 15 minutes or confined airspace contact with a

confirmed case within 14 days of that person developing symptoms Advised by a public health agency that contact with a confirmed case has taken place

Give details below of any people who meet this definition of a contact:



Name Department External contact details



APPENDIX 2: Methods to prevent the transmission of COVID-19

Do Don’t Frequently clean your hands by washing your hands with soap and

water for at least 20 seconds or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

When coughing and sneezing, use a tissue or if caught without, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow (when the tissue is used, discard it immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands as above)

Avoid close contact with anyone that is coughing, sneezing and has a fever, and maintain at least 2 metre distance

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces and waste daily

Avoid eating animal products that are not thoroughly cooked

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, share information about any recent travels with NHS 111/NHS Direct Wales/ NHS 24 111 (people in Northern Ireland should contact their GP)

Avoid direct contact with live animals or surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets situated in areas where cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no specific travel history, carefully follow the precautions listed above and ensure that you stay at home until you recover

APPENDIX 3: Hand washing SOP



Pharmacy name and addressSOP prepared by (full name and role)

SOP reviewed by (full name and role)

Signature SignatureDate SOP prepared SOP reviewed dateSOP version number SOP version number

Scope This SOP sets out the procedure to be followed when carrying out hand washing using soap and water, OR alcohol hand rubs as part of vaccination service provision;

this should be carried out both before and after each patient is vaccinated The choice of using soap and water or an alcohol hand rub is dependent on suitability and accessibility - see guidance notes below for further information

GuidanceAlcohol hand rubs Using an alcohol hand rub can be useful when a sink is not readily accessible or when hands are not soiled but may still be contaminated.

Washing using soap and waterUsing an alcohol hand rub may not always be suitable – for example:

If hands are physically dirty or soiled or the organic matter can inactivate the activity of the alcohol contained in the hand rub, therefore rendering it unsuitable for use

It is not effective against spore-forming organisms, for example, Clostridium difficile or norovirus

Washing stage Particular attention should be placed on the tips of the fingers, the thumbs and the areas between the fingers.

Drying process



The elbow or a paper towel should be used to turn off the tap, and hands must be dried thoroughly with a single-use paper towel. When discarding paper towels consider using foot pedal if available; bin lids should not be touched.

Soap + water

Alcohol hand rub

The following hand washing technique should be followed, both when using soap + water and alcohol hand rubs:

Appendix 3: Services provided from the pharmacy


Rub hands together

vigorously for a minimum of 15

seconds

Wet hands under lukewarm running

water prior to applying soap

solution

Create a good lather with soap

solution – cover all surfaces of the

hand

Rinse hands thoroughly to ensure hands are soap free

Dry hands thoroughly

with a single-use paper

towel

Use approximately 3ml of the product or check manufacturers’

instructions

Use a sufficient amount of hand rub – cover all surfaces of the

hand

Paper towel should be discarded of

without re-contaminating

hands

Rub hands together vigorously for 20-30

seconds

Wait until solution has evaporated and hands are dry – paper towels should not be used

5. Rub each thumb clasped in opposite

hand using rotational movement

4. Rub with backs of fingers to

opposing palms with fingers interlocked

3. Rub palm to palm with fingers

interlaced

2. Rub the back of each hand with the palm of the other

hand with interlaced fingers

6. Rub rotationally tips of fingers in opposite palm

1. Rub hands palm to palm


See log in excel spreadsheet


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