COVID19: How should pharmacists play a role?

Pharmacists, the most accessible healthcare professionals, are often the first point of contact for unwell individuals. They should be involved in drafting pandemic preparedness plans.

Coronaviruses are usually associated with the common cold, a self-limiting viral infection; however, they are increasingly the cause of more severe, disabling and deadly infections. Notably, they were responsible for the 2003 outbreak of SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus), the 2012 MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) and now COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).