RPS call for compulsory face-coverings across all health settings

 

Following the Government’s announcement that face-coverings will be compulsory in hospitals, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is calling on the Government and the NHS to ensure that this is extended across primary care and other healthcare settings.

 

RPS President Sandra Gidley said:

 

“The Government must extend the measures announced so far to pharmacy settings and work with the profession on how this will be implemented as part of the new normal.

 

“It’s vital that there is consistency in the use of face coverings across primary care as well as hospital settings to provide maximum protection from the virus and avoid confusion.

 

“Pharmacy teams are on the frontline seeing patients. Alongside PPE and social distancing, encouraging people to wear face-coverings when visiting community pharmacies and general practice will help further protect staff and patients. The Government will need to explain what type of facing covering is useful and how to wear it to best effect.

 

“Coronavirus is still a threat to our pharmacists, their teams and others on the frontline. It’s critical everything possible is done to protect them.”