Pharmacists are working on the frontline of this pandemic, yet CVS and Walgreens are leaving them without protection.

Despite caring for sick people all day--and making sure all of us have the prescriptions we need during this time of shelter-in-place--pharmacists, a majority of whom are women, are left without personal protective equipment, without adequate paid sick leave, and without additional time or staff to regularly disinfect stores. 

After employee outcry, CVS and Walgreens finally started offering paid sick days to employees. The problem? Only pharmacists who test positive for COVID-19 can get paid days off, and everyone knows there is a shortage of tests and varying policies around the country about who is eligible for testing. This means pharmacists at both stores are continuing to get sick and forced to go without pay or go into work even though they don't feel well or are taking care of sick family members at home.⁵ 

CVS and Walgreens should provide:

• Personal protective equipment that meets CDC guidelines for all pharmacists and pharmacy employees;
• Paid sick leave for all employees regardless of testing; and
• Additional time or staff to clean and disinfect every store. 

It's clear that CVS and Walgreens care about their public image. As more and more pharmacists speak out, the retail giants are being forced to respond. If thousands of us ramp up the pressure, we can get these frontline workers the equipment they need and policies to keep us all safer. Will you sign the petition?