Macleay pharmacists assure locals they are here for the community during this unprecedented time

While stockpiling of medications has been restricted, pharmacists are saying there is still a high number of customers coming into their stores.

Peter Needs from TerryWhite Chemmart in South West Rocks said the pharmacy has been very busy recently.

"There has been an increase in customers over the past few weeks. A lot of people are just trying to get over the counter medications as well as their scripts filled," he said.

"There are restrictions on how much medication we can sell to customers and some people don't realise they are trying to purchase more than the limit allows, but we've just informed them and everyone has been understanding."

Peter also said some stock is low, but that staff are able to help customers with purchasing different forms of the same medication.

"There is a short supply of liquid Panadol for children, but we're showing parents how they can use a tablet and crush it to administer the same dosage amount as the liquid version for their child.

"Locals need to realise their medication might not be in the same form that they're used to, but we can still help," Peter said.

People who suffer from asthma are also being asked to use a spacer device so they can prolong the life of their Ventolin puffer.

"We're asking customers and the community to be patient if we're low on medications, because we will be getting them in again," Peter said.

Pharmacist and owner of Amcal Pharmacy Kempsey Greg Hollier said they have also been run off their feet over the past couple of weeks.

"It's been very hectic for us here. We are also suffering from some medication shortages, but that doesn't mean we won't get anymore in stock," Greg said.

"We're just doing the best we can and are working hard to help customers.

"We are facing an unprecedented demand for medication, everyone wants to just get one of everything so they're prepared. But we are limited with how much we can sell to customers."

Because pharmacies will stay open during the pandemic, they have introduced strict social distancing measures to ensure staff and customer safety.

Peter said staff are making sure the social distancing restrictions are being followed.

"We're demanding they follow the restrictions and respect the staff and the law," he said.

"We are allowing a number of customers in the store at one time. Everyone has been following the social distancing rules which is really good."

Greg said Amcal Pharmacy is also reminding locals of social distancing when they enter the store.

"We're asking all customers waiting for scripts to call back in so we don't have a high number of people in the store," he said.

"We're also cleaning the benches and washing our hands regularly to protect staff and customers."

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