The Chamber of Pharmacists has directed all community pharmacists to take part in a symbolic protest.

“Since the resurgence of covid-19 cases after the removal of restrictions by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Tourism supported by the MTA and the MHRA in June, the opening of national borders in July and the holding of mass events, the chamber has publically supported the stance of the Medical Association of Malta and the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine and all science based Public health measures issued by the Ministry for Health and Health Superintendent.”

“It has repeatedly condemned the procrastination, puerile and disrespectful attitude and comments, political and subjective economical expediency taking precedence over science-based health expertise and advice, to the detriment of the health of the nation.”

“Directives have been issued by the chamber to the public and to pharmacists to prioritise safety. It is of course a moot point that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, and pharmacists work is essential, on the frontline, more than ever.”

The chamber said that it considers that with the registration of the first covid-19 victim since the removal of restrictions, on Friday, 21 August it wants to take a strong symbolic protest gesture - #spizjaraluttu.

#spizjaraluttu is a first step of a structured protest campaign that will be sustained and escalated as needs be, depending on the evolving situation which is being closely monitored by the Kamra.

A black cloth will be affixed at the entrance of the pharmacy together with an explanatory statement to the public. Pharmacists shall wear, at all times, especially during the opening hours of the pharmacy, a black ribbon on their lab coat lapel as a sign of mourning at the demise of a covid-19 victim, and  common sense, prudence and respect of front liners and the most vulnerable.

“This symbolic gesture will remain in force until the chamber is satisfied that the measures taken to safeguard public health and the safety of pharmacists and other front liners, and the nation, are according to the advice based on the science practiced by Malta’s public health experts.”

“Whilst aware of the economic needs of the country, health is wealth and therefore the chamber does not accept that the health of the nation plays second fiddle to the economy,” it said.

This directive will be effective from Thursday 27 August 2020.