03/17/2020
To all current patients, customers and locals!
We have been getting many questions and concerns related to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Novel Coronavirus), and how it may effect our pharmacy and your access to medications. This post is to help answer/correct some of the misinformation out there. However, you are encouraged to call with any specific questions, because as usual, we are willing to help in any way we can.
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First and foremost, Hastings Pharmacy will NOT be forced to close due to mandated closings or curfews. This is for 2 reasons:
- 1.) PHARMACIES and HOSPITALS are critical care access points that are extremely unlikely to be included in any forced closures. This would be both medically and politically unwise.
- 2.) Because Don said so!
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Secondly, there are some minor service changes here at the pharmacy to help decrease the chance of virus transmission on site. We are seeing an increase in use of the drive-thru, which is ENCOURAGED. This is an obvious way to avoid groups of people! However, this means that we must keep the drive-thru line MOVING, and therefore will have limited time to answer questions there. Some have been coming through the drive-thru with questions. We hope it is understandable that we ask that you CALL with questions, as drive-thru is for pick-up and drop-off only, and must be kept moving to allow people to efficiently get their medications safely. Thank you all for understanding this! Also, don't forget we deliver to anybody in the Hastings City Limits, including to where you work, if that is within the limits.
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And lastly, the most common question is "What can I do to protect myself?"
The TRUTH, while not the answer most want to hear is that there is NO secret cure or magic solution. The single best thing you can do to prevent exposure is to avoid those that are exposed. We suggest focusing on the following recommendations (especially if you are in the high-risk groups, including elderly, smoking history, chronic lung or heart disease and diabetes):
1.) Avoid groups of people. Seriously.
2.) Wash your hands often, especially after being in the public. Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds at least. This is best. Hand sanitizer should be used as a secondary method, especially during the current shortage and because it is not as effective as full hand washing.
3.) If you are already sick, cough into your sleeve, NOT INTO YOUR HAND. Many people still don't do this, but it is a great habit anyway.
4.) Avoid touching your face, particularly mouth, nose and eyes, especially with unwashed hands and especially when in public. In case you haven't caught on, the most common exposure is from YOUR OWN HANDS. Wash them. Protect them. Protect yourself.
5.) If you are in public, just touch as few surfaces as possible and try to stay 6 feet or more away from others. We can still be pleasant and courteous to each other, but keep our distance when possible. We're all in this together.
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Of course, this is a continually developing issue, and all information provided is the best available currently. Updates may be posted as felt necessary by your pharmacists. However, posts or questions will not be answered directly here on Facebook as that is simply NOT the best communication tool. Feel free to call and we'll do the best we can to answer your questions.
Thank you and do your part to stay safe out there! We will do ours.
Your Pharmacist,
Don Eichholz, PharmD
