COVID-19 hit the world with record speed leaving virtually no nation untouched. Within days words like social distancing became part of our lexicon, and businesses closed temporality to help control the spread of the disease. Only essential services remain open – and those services have made changes to ensure people can stay safely apart.
Tellier Guardian Pharmacy is the only pharmacy in Bonnyville open for the public to shop for themselves. Tellier is open with reduced hours and measures in place to ensure social distancing.
Store Operator Caitlin McGrath explains, “We ask that our shoppers abide by Alberta Health’s recommendations. That means not coming in if you are sick, have been travelling, or have been in contact with someone who was sick. Shop with a purpose and do not shop in groups. To help ensure social distancing, the front doors are closed. Customers enter through the back doors so we can make sure we don’t have too many people in the pharmacy at one time. There are markings on the floor for proper distancing when waiting in line and some areas of non-essentials, such as giftware, are roped off.”
“We still allow people to buy gifts, housewares, and cards,” Caitlin points out. “We are just limiting meandering. We ask people to be purposeful with their shopping. If they wish, we can collect items on their behalf and deliver them to the parking lot.”
In addition to taking items and prescriptions that can be prepaid by credit card over the phone to the parking lot, Tellier Guardian Pharmacy is offering home delivery.
“Right now our delivery is not just for prescriptions, it is also for store items,” says Caitlin. “We can bring you a birthday card for someone you care about, or puzzles to help keep you busy during isolation. We are thinking of our community’s health in terms of everyone’s physical and mental needs. This is why we are happy to deliver both prescriptions and front store items.”
To ensure limited interaction between delivery personnel and residents, Tellier Guardian is willing to ring the doorbell and leave the package at the door or call ahead so the homeowner knows exactly when to expect their delivery. A mindful two meters of distance are maintained between the delivery driver and the resident if the resident chooses to open their door.
“We offer delivery, parking lot pick up, and in-store shopping to ensure everyone’s needs are met,” says Caitlin. “Some essentials are very personal, and you may not want us to pick those out for you. We understand that.”
On the pharmacy side, Tellier Guardian encourages people to only order 30 days worth of prescriptions at a time.
“If everyone starts stockpiling, we will have shortages,” Caitlin says. “Consider not just your own health, but also the health of others in your community and across the nation.”
If shortages concern you or your desired prescription is not available, Tellier Guardian is happy to discuss generic medications and other options with you.
Whether you need medication, a game to pass the time, a gift item, or have questions about your health, Tellier Guardian Pharmacy is here for you.
Caitlin concludes, “We are staying open so people can call, come in, and/or have their questions answered. We are a support in a time of adversity. Your neighbourhood pharmacy has always been there for you and we continue to be now. Shop, pickup in the parking lot, or call in with confidence. We have taken all the necessary steps to keep you and our staff safe including the plastic barrier, abiding by the social distancing rules, wearing gloves and masks, and having a strict cleaning regime.”
If any changes occur to the pharmacy’s hours, residents will be informed. Learn more at https://tellierpharmacy.ca
Current hours are:
Mon- Fri 8-8
Sat 10-5
Sunday 11-5
