The declaration of an emergency requiring the flexible provision of pharmaceutical services has been extended until January 31, 2022, PSNC said in an update.
The provision was introduced to help maintain pharmacy services during the Covid-19 outbreak.
With this, contractors can continue to make temporary changes to opening hours or temporary closures after providing prior reasons for these changes to NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I).
However, contractors will have to return to normal opening hours if their request is subsequently refused by NHSE&I.
The Pandemic Delivery Service, for people who have been notified to self-isolate, has also been extended until March 31, 2022.
Under the service, all pharmacies will be required to ensure that all self-isolated people receive their prescription medicines and appliances through home delivery, if they are unable to arrange a pick up.
The service is available only during the ten-day self-isolation period notified by NHS Test and Trace.
