Pharmacists have expressed concern about the number of people who are presenting at pharmacies while waiting for the results of COVID-19 tests.

According to the HSE, people who are waiting for the results of a test must self-isolate. This means that they should stay at home and avoid all contact with other people.

"We fully understand that people have become even more reliant on their local community pharmacy during the pandemic. However, we urge people to follow HSE advice and to self-isolate while awaiting COVID-19 test results. This includes not visiting your pharmacy in person under any circumstances," commented community pharmacist and Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) member, Caitriona O'Riordan.

She emphasised that going into a pharmacy while waiting for a test result "puts both pharmacy staff and other patients and customers at risk".

"We ask that instead people contact their local pharmacy if they need medicine and arrange for someone else to collect on their behalf. Otherwise, ask the pharmacy if they can offer a home delivery service," Ms O'Riordan said.

For more information on the differences between self-isolating and restricting movements, click here.