Pharmacies adjust business model during COVID-19

April 8, 2020 | 12:07 am

Updated April 7, 2020 | 11:29 pm

Pharmacies in Owensboro have reported they have not been hit as hard by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other industries.

“It’s a challenge like anything else, you have to adjust to make sure patients are staying safe,” said Travis Sewell, pharmacist at Emory Centre Pharmacy. “(We’re) doing more deliveries and curbside service, but things are going along pretty well.”

Like other local pharmacies, Emory decided to close its lobby and switched to curbside pickup and free delivery only. The pharmacy even has a delivery man who makes runs throughout the day.

Sewell said his family-owned shop, which has been in Owensboro for more than 30 years, has not cut employees or changed business hours.

“We’re trying to keep things as close to normal for our patience as we can,” Sewell said.

At least one pharmacist has seen a silver lining amid the virus.

Pharmacist Jesica Thomason Mills at Owensboro Family Pharmacy and Wellness said their business was forced to find a way to better streamline the process once the drive-thru line wrapped around the building.

“Honestly it has really helped our business efficiency,” Mills said. “There’s going to be some really good implications for after this because we’ve had to pivot and adjust how we do business.”

The pharmacy also closed its doors to walk-ins, which has encouraged people to order their prescriptions in advance.

Mills said she and her staff feel fortunate that during the chaos and changes, they still have jobs and don’t have to worry about layoffs or furloughs.

“We still get to be pretty normal,” she said. “We get to come to work and do what we’ve always done and be around the same people. So in the middle of all these changes, we’re really grateful for the fact that we still get to take care of our patients and still get to be kind of business as usual.”

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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.

For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.

For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.

April 8, 2020 | 12:07 am

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