It has been a challenge for B.C. pharmacies to find protective equipment such as masks and eye protection during the pandemic. Now, they are also being cautioned about avoiding possible scammers who could try and take advantage of the situation.
The BC Pharmacy Association is now working to screen potential providers and compile a list of reputable sources of available safety gear that remains in short supply.
Some of the pharmacies have been asked to put down large deposits to purchase some PPE and others have not received what they ordered a month ago. Finding PPE has been quite a challenge for smaller, independent pharmacies.
They are facing challenges in identifying or finding those alternative providers who actually have a supply on hand and are who they say they are.
Pharmacies have been deemed essential during the pandemic but they are also putting themselves at risk. The BC Pharmacy Association has previously requested the province for pharmacies to be on the priority list for PPE allocation when it comes more widely available.
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