Masks Still Required in Pharmacies

Media release – Pharmacy Guild in Tasmania, 16 March 2022

Community Pharmacies are healthcare settings – masks are still required

The Pharmacy Guild in Tasmania has issued a timely reminder that community pharmacies, like general practices or dental surgeries, are healthcare settings and masks are still required to be worn by people when entering them.

“Under the current public health directions it is a requirement that people who are visiting a healthcare setting such as pharmacies wear a mask”, said the Guild’s Tasmanian Branch President, Ms Helen O’Byrne.

“We know that people are keen to get back to normal, we all are, however the COVID-19 virus is still with us. With the approach of winter and what is expected to be a tough flu season as well as Omicron’s more infectious BA.2 sub-variant starting to spread throughout the country, masks, personal hygiene and social distancing all help with reducing the spread.”

“We see many people every day who are ill or have chronic health conditions which make them vulnerable to more serious outcomes if they contract the COVID-19 virus. Wearing a mask is a very easy way to help protect these people from getting infected when they need to be in the pharmacy.”

While pharmacies have remained open and accessible to their communities throughout the pandemic – at times this has been a struggle.

“If our pharmacists get sick and we are unable to find replacement staff then there is a strong possibility we will be unable to open our doors”, Ms O’Byrne warned. “Additionally if the pharmacy is located within a rural or regional area, potentially the community’s only easily accessible source of healthcare would be removed.”

“Our dedicated pharmacy staff also have a right to feel as safe as possible in their workplace”, Ms O’Byrne said. “Wearing your mask when you come into the pharmacy helps to ensure we all stay safe and well.”

Ms O’Byrne also stressed the need for people to get their COVID-19 booster and ask their pharmacist about receiving a flu vaccination.

“And remember – if you are feeling unwell it is important that you don’t come into the pharmacy – stay home and take a COVID-19 test.”

“If you are positive, register with the Department of Health so you can access the care and support you need”, Ms O’Byrne said. “Patients who test positive can also call their local pharmacy for delivery of any medications they may need during their isolation period.”