Rite Aid expands delivery, takes other steps in response to COVID-19
A major drugstore retailer is easing access to its inventory and strengthening store sanitary practices.
To better support customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rite Aid is rolling out several new services and protocols. These include the immediate availability of home delivery service upon request, with waived delivery service fees for eligible prescriptions. Controlled substances and/or refrigerated medications are not eligible for delivery.
In addition to home delivery, Rite Aid offers drive-thru pick-up of prescriptions and over-the-counter products at more than 50% of its over 2,400 retail locations. Rite Aid pharmacists are partnering with various pharmacy benefit organizations and local physicians and can speak to customers about options including 90-day refills, early refill authorizations, and prescription delivery.
Rite Aid says its current supply of generic medications is presently sufficient and the company does not anticipate any significant near-term supply chain disruptions that will affect its ability to fill prescriptions. The retailer also says it is working “around the clock” to procure products including hand sanitizers, cleansers, rubbing alcohol, and other items its customers need to help prevent spread of the virus.
The retailer has also increased staffing levels to fulfill online orders faster, and established in-store and online purchase limits on certain items to ensure these products are available to the greatest number of customers. All stores are currently open, and all stores and distribution centers are following enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols designed specifically to prevent the spread of viruses including COVID-19 and influenza.
In addition to third-party cleaning providers who professionally clean and sanitize Rite Aid stores, the company has increased the frequency its associates clean high-traffic surfaces throughout the day. Stores located in high-outbreak areas are receiving special disinfectant services daily. Rite Aid is also sending “care kits” to all of its associates.
Furthermore, Rite Aid has established specific human resources guidelines related to COVID-19 including a “pandemic pay” policy for associates diagnosed with the virus or quarantined due to exposure.
“As a healthcare company, the health and wellness of our communities, customers and associates is our first priority. We are taking many proactive precautions to minimize risk in our stores, offices and distribution centers, so that we can continue to serve as a critical healthcare resource to people across the country,” said Heyward Donigan, president and CEO, Rite Aid. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take actions to protect our communities, customers and associates.”