Page 6 - rp-may-2020

EDITOR’S LETTER 4
RET AIL PHARMA C Y • MA Y 2020
s restrictions start to ease in most of our states and
territories, I cannot help wondering if we are ready for
that or not.
Like most people, I am longing to see my family
and friends, enjoy what was once taken for granted,
appreciate the outdoors at my own pace, sit in a café,
have a night out, go to a concert or attend a more
intimate live session at a bar, greet others with hugs and
kisses on the cheek. The list of missed activities is long,
and I haven’t even gone into travel and planning for
bigger and better things – life has been on pause and,
as much I want to move forward, I do question whether we are ready.
As there is no vaccine for COVID-19 yet, we don’t know if complete eradication of the virus is possible.
We still don’t know if a person can be infected twice, why it affects certain individuals more than others,
if climate influences how fast it spreads. There is a great deal about the virus we don’t know.
Although we hear that Australia is successfully flattening the curve, the scientific community is concerned
that a second wave may have a very serious impact on us if restrictions are not followed. I am concerned
and scared, and I bet most other people are too.
So, where does this leave us? How do we adapt as a society into a ‘new’ normal that can keep us
safe and going in the right direction when we hear the US has confirmed over one million cases and
Singapore, the poster child for low case numbers so far, has taken a few steps back when trying to
move forward.
I don’t have an answer. Who does? We are all learning, desperate for positive information that can make
a constructive difference in this awful situation. The more we know, the better our chances of survival,
of course. The key is not only knowing but communicating the right message. This is where you play
a huge role. Confusion is created easily in these circumstances. States and territories are moving at
different speeds, national and international news is sometimes conflicting and social media is the new
word of mouth.
You and your staff are able to pass on your knowledge, expertise and advice to a community that is
desperately looking for guidance from someone they trust.
We have compiled this issue with one mindset: to help you help others with accurate and up-to-date
information. Our format, among many other things, includes business and health features, and a special
take on COVID-19. From point of sale to aged care, coughs and colds and mother and baby, every topic
we have covered will give you the latest information in order to keep your customers informed,
safe and satisfied.
We also take a look at mental health, a definite repercussion of this pandemic. However, in this CPD
article we take a different approach and look specifically at the implications and effects this pandemic
might be having on you and your staff, such as coping with stress and pressure as well as recognising
burn-out signs and, most importantly, what you can do about it before it gets out of control (pages 40-43).
Our pharmacy profile this month looks at how quickly Foote’s Pharmacy Redbank Plains in Queensland
responded to the challenges of COVID-19 and adjusted to keep its staff and customers safe. Like many
others, they have gone above and beyond to help those who need the assistance most (pages 28-29).
Last but not least, we have put together a special section we thought you might enjoy. No words can
describe how immensely grateful we all are to you and your staff for getting up every day and going to
work. For rising to the challenges and excelling. For taking care of those in your communities, and not
only providing the services people need but for offering comfort and guidance at a time when we all
greatly need it. As a token of our appreciation, we’ve gathered a few testimonials from leaders in the
industry to thank you and to also share with you their experiences and how they have overcome the
challenges (pages 10-14).
EDITOR’S LETTER
A
Managing Editor