Moyens de prévention du risque d’exposition au SARS-Cov-2 : enquête auprès des pharmaciens d’une ville de l’Est algérien

CONTEXT: The COVID-19 pandemic is on the rise worldwide, causing more than 7.5 million people infected and more than 400,000 dead to date. The mortality rate in Algeria is the highest in Africa, the wilaya of Sétif, currently registering an increase in the number of patients, goes back to 3rd place nationwide. METHOD: This investigation involved 63 pharmacies in the city of Sétif (northeast of Algeria), under partial confinement. The information was collected using a questionnaire from pharmacists or by direct observation. RESULTS: The proportion of women that were on exceptional leave is 24.8%, and that of men 6.8%. A barrier maintaining a safe distance between pharmacists and customers is present in 95.2% of pharmacies. This distance is respected in 38.1% of cases between pharmacists, and in 76.8% of cases between clients. In 50.8% of cases, the mask is worn by the majority of employees, but more rarely by customers. Physical meetings are held in almost half of the cases. The means necessary for good hand hygiene are available to all staff; customers rarely (6.3%) have access to the hydroalcoholic solution. In most cases disinfection takes place frequently. DISCUSSION: Several measures to limit the spread of the virus have been implemented in pharmacies. However, the wearing of protective masks should be generalized for staff and customers, as well as the posting of safety instructions and the availability of hydroalcoholic solution to customers.