There is something very special about the people who can face adversity and get on with the job.
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That could be said of many Canberrans, and in fact many Australians, who have gone from facing the worst bushfire season in decades straight into the grips of a deadly pandemic.
This summer changed Australians, and winter is set to redefine the country and the world in a way not seen since the Great Depression, experts predict.
Those still employed and working are in a privileged position and as Scott Morrison would say everyone still working is now working in an "essential job".
Many people face joblessness and all the ramifications of that in the face of this crisis.
But while pharmacists acknowledge they are privileged to still be gainfully employed, they shouldn't have to put up with the abuse they are facing in a role that is vitally important for the health of the community.
It's not just verbal abuse and physical aggression that they're dealing with. People who continue to go outside while sick, let alone visit any kind of shop including a pharmacy, are a huge threat and should be treated as such. The people who do so are putting the community at greater unnecessary risk.
Our health professionals are the ones who are the most in need at the moment, and also the most at risk.
To reduce this happening, pharmacies have moved to contactless delivery, giving phone advice and using Zoom to issue sick certificates. There is no need for anyone who is sick, particularly with with flu-like symptoms, or anyone who potentially has the virus, to visit a store. To do so is an abuse of a critical frontline health worker and it can't be tolerated.
Capital Chemist group business manager Andrew Topp described the situation as "so overwhelmingly difficult, and relentless".
Mr Topp urged Canberrans: "Do not come into the pharmacy if you're sick".
He said visiting a pharmacy when sick was a reasonable response in normal times.
"It is not reasonable now. Please, don't come into the pharmacy," he reiterated, again and again.
Our health professionals are the ones who are the most in need at the moment, and also the most at risk.
We must do everything we can to protect and support them.