Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced Monday that effective July 1, 2020, non-AHS organizations and businesses such as community pharmacies will need to order their personal protective equipment (PPE) directly through suppliers. As of that date, the province will no longer accept orders for PPE through its Provincial Operations Centre.
In a news release issued May 25, 2020, Alberta Health stated that the PPE supply chain is improving, and more companies are now supplying PPE, giving Alberta businesses more options to secure their own PPE.
Between now and June 30, community pharmacies may continue submitting orders for PPE through the Provincial Operations Centre, subject to availability and for a fee.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are employed by AHS, Covenant Health, and long-term care facilities will continue to receive PPE beyond July 1, 2020. The province will also continue to provide PPE to first responders, homeless shelters, and provincially funded seniors’ lodges.
For more information on the changes to the supply of PPE, visit the Alberta Emergency Management Agency webpage.
For help with sourcing your own PPE supply, visit the Alberta Biz Connect web page.
Frequently asked questions (answers provided by Alberta Health)
What happens with all the orders that have been submitted but not filled yet?
“The orders submitted, but not in process prior to May 25, will be under the new way forward. For details on existing PPE requests, businesses and organizations can connect through the Provincial Operations Centre online portal. The Provincial Operations Centre will continue to process orders, including new orders, and will advise the organizations regarding the cost. Requestors that no longer wish to proceed with the order will be given an opportunity to cancel.”
Will orders that have been submitted before May 25 be invoiced?
“Yes, any orders that have not been processed and sent out will be charged.”
