Our response to COVID-19
We’ve mobilized to prepare for any impact the virus may have on the communities we serve. Here’s how…
Walgreens News
We’re working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health officials to respond accordingly to COVID-19, and uphold our commitment to champion the health and wellbeing of every community in America. Knowing that our stores touch the lives of approximately 230,000 employees and more than 8 million customers in stores and online every day, it’s important to let our customers, team members and partners know how Walgreens is responding in real time.
How we’re helping to protect our team members – and the communities we serve
In collaboration with our clinical and safety offices, leaders at the highest levels of the company are meeting regularly to assess the situation as part of a cross-functional emergency response team. This includes everything from continuously reviewing travel guidelines to addressing human resources concerns around potential disruption scenarios, and making sure our teams across the business take appropriate steps in the best interest of our team members and customers.
With the situation continually evolving there is a tremendous need for information, education and resources, and we know that our team members want answers – as do their families, patients, customers and neighbors. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
The CDC also published recommendations on how you can prepare your own home in the event of an outbreak in your area. These are relatively simple, proactive actions you can take to help protect your family – which may be reassuring at a time of confusion and concern. Additionally, at this time, there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection
How we’re preparing our pharmacies & stores
Our stores are in the heart of America’s communities, and we have a responsibility to strive for minimal disruption to our customers during this time.
We are continuously monitoring information from the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) and will provide relevant updates to team members and customers as more information becomes available. This also means reviewing inventory of products and working closely with our supplier partners to meet demand for items customers may need.
We also continue to work with drug manufacturers and distribution partners to take the appropriate steps to meet the needs of our patients and to help ensure we’re able to meet demand in the event of future delays.
Our clinical and safety offices are sharing the latest information from public health officials and the CDC with our pharmacy team members, so that they are able to serve as a resource and help accurately address patient questions and concerns.
How we’re partnering with health authorities
Our clinical and emergency response team are in close communication with the CDC, and are actively working to find ways for Walgreens and its network of community, health care and strategic partners to play a greater role in what has become a large-scale, nationwide and global effort.
We’re also working closely with our Find Care partners to share how telehealth could potentially address evolving public health concerns.
While we will continue to do our best to help during this time and find ways to support our communities, the best source of expertise on risk and response to COVID-19 is the CDC. We urge our customers to periodically check the CDC website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
How we’re helping to protect our team members – and the communities we serve
In collaboration with our clinical and safety offices, leaders at the highest levels of the company are meeting regularly to assess the situation as part of a cross-functional emergency response team. This includes everything from continuously reviewing travel guidelines to addressing human resources concerns around potential disruption scenarios, and making sure our teams across the business take appropriate steps in the best interest of our team members and customers.
With the situation continually evolving there is a tremendous need for information, education and resources, and we know that our team members want answers – as do their families, patients, customers and neighbors. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Practice good handwashing after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Avoid rubbing your eyes or putting your hand to your mouth until you have washed your hands.
- Wash your hands well after any contact with somebody else who is coughing or sneezing.
- Observe respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use tissues and throw them away immediately. Also, wash your hands afterwards.
- Clean high touch surfaces, like door handles, light switches, countertops, etc., with a disinfectant.
The CDC also published recommendations on how you can prepare your own home in the event of an outbreak in your area. These are relatively simple, proactive actions you can take to help protect your family – which may be reassuring at a time of confusion and concern. Additionally, at this time, there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection
How we’re preparing our pharmacies & stores
Our stores are in the heart of America’s communities, and we have a responsibility to strive for minimal disruption to our customers during this time.
We are continuously monitoring information from the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) and will provide relevant updates to team members and customers as more information becomes available. This also means reviewing inventory of products and working closely with our supplier partners to meet demand for items customers may need.
We also continue to work with drug manufacturers and distribution partners to take the appropriate steps to meet the needs of our patients and to help ensure we’re able to meet demand in the event of future delays.
Our clinical and safety offices are sharing the latest information from public health officials and the CDC with our pharmacy team members, so that they are able to serve as a resource and help accurately address patient questions and concerns.
How we’re partnering with health authorities
Our clinical and emergency response team are in close communication with the CDC, and are actively working to find ways for Walgreens and its network of community, health care and strategic partners to play a greater role in what has become a large-scale, nationwide and global effort.
We’re also working closely with our Find Care partners to share how telehealth could potentially address evolving public health concerns.
While we will continue to do our best to help during this time and find ways to support our communities, the best source of expertise on risk and response to COVID-19 is the CDC. We urge our customers to periodically check the CDC website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.