COVID-19 and Your Pharmacy
COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, has impacted the entire globe. This is a time that we must come together to help each other, support each other, and share information that will make this situation just a little more manageable. During this pandemic, PDS is here for our members, our communities and the overall independent pharmacy industry.
Independent pharmacies have the chance to lead the charge and bring guidance, solutions and resolve for their patients and communities. As people continue to look for answers and ways to protect themselves and their families, PDS continues to compile resources and provide ideas and options so that pharmacies can help combat the spread of COVID-19 and support their communities. We are all in this together.
*Updated April 1, 2020*
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program Application is now available. This program authorizes forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. We encourage you to speak to your financial advisor and take advantage of this opportunity.
PPP Overview
PPP Borrower Information Sheet
PPP Borrower Application
*Updated March 30, 2020*
CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed Friday by the House. The act makes small businesses with 500 or fewer employees eligible for emergency grants and a forgivable loan program. There are also changes to rules for expenses and deductions meant to make it easier for small businesses to keep employees on the payroll and open for business. The legislation helps small business pharmacies’ employees as well, which is important as they are serving on the front lines of care during this pandemic. NCPA created a summary of the relevant provisions to help independent pharmacies.
*Updated March 23, 2020*
Donate to First Responders
PCCA has developed four simple steps for the donation of hand sanitizer to first responders. This is an amazing way for local pharmacies to give back to their communities!
Webinar: Pharmacy Financial Health in Time of Crisis
With this pandemic, high demand, inventory turns, and changes in operational procedures are all impacting your pharmacy. This webinar features tips and advice from PDS financial experts about maintaining your pharmacy’s financial health.
COVID-19 Solutions to Help Your Pharmacy
We are focused on ways to help you keep your pharmacy and your patients healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our most recent webinar featured solutions to help you better serve your patients and communities. Discover products to help combat the spread the virus, and direction on where to find high-demand disinfectants, test kits, and more.
*Updated March 20, 2020*
Updating Your Store Policy During COVID-19
It is important that during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, independent pharmacies have guidance about new, short-term store policies. We have created a store policy document that many of our members are already implementing in their stores. We hope this will help give you some organizational structure and procedures in a time when things are constantly changing. Please feel free to use some or all of it and adjust according to your specific business needs.
DOWNLOAD COVID-19 STORE POLICY
*Updated March 18, 2020*
Special Edition Webinar – COVID Disinfecting Agents and Where to Buy
Sourcing hand sanitizer, masks, and cleaning supplies is getting harder by the hour. PDS has vetted and found some suppliers that will have many high demand products available. Watch the following webinar to learn more.
- Disinfectants
- Hand Sanitizers
- Masks
- Tuzistra Cough Syrup
- 1st Defense Nasal Screen
COVID-19 Resources
We have compiled information related to COVID-19. Please see below for resources related to operations, procedures, sanitation, best practices, and policies.
- Elberberry: Cytokine Storm?
- Chloroquine Phosphate for the Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia
- CPESN Community Pharmacy Best Practices
- NCPA Coronavirus Information
- NIH COVID-19 Guidance
- NABP State Board Update
- APhA Coronavirus Information
- CDC Mask Difference
- Policy for Temporary Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency
- WHO-recommended Handrub Formulas
- Covid-19 Resources for Pharmacists
- NCPA Coronavirus Information
- CDC Testing for Covid-19
- CDC Coronavirus Information
- Pharmacy Times Coronavirus Resource Center
- FIP Coronavirus Information
- Cold vs. Flu vs. Coronavirus
Pharmacists will play a key role in access to healthcare during this outbreak. PDS suggests that you familiarize yourself with your state’s statutes that become enacted during declarations of health emergencies. These statutes often times allow you to refill prescriptions without doctor authorization or temporarily broaden your scope of practice. The best resource is your SBOP website along with your state pharmacy association.
For PDS members, log into PDSadvantage to find the applicable resources in the Knowledge Library that can help you navigate this difficult time such as access to product opportunities and financial resources. Please contact your Performance Specialists and Coaches – they are here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
