On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, a pandemic, citing concern over alarming levels of spread and severity across the globe. 

The pandemic brought with it many challenges to respond to, challenges which will continue to evolve in the coming years.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies we regulate have been vital in ensuring British Columbians continue to receive the medications and the knowledge they need to manage, prevent and treat a multitude of diseases and symptoms. 

Throughout 2020, in order to support the response to this new disease as part of BC’s health system, the College worked closely with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, the BC Centre for Substance Use and other partners to share vital information and enact practice changes for pharmacy professionals intended to reduce unnecessary practice strain and provide broader flexibility to continue to ensure adequate continuity of care for BC patients.

Here are some of the things the College did to support BC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

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