The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacy education, staff and students in an Australian setting

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changed the lives of people globally. In Australia, cases were reported in travellers as early as January 2020. By March, the cases were increasing exponentially. This prompted government restrictions including international border closures, physical distancing rules, closure of non-essential services (including schools and universities to students) and movement restrictions with residents only allowed to leave home for four permitted activities (essential work, shopping, caregiving, exercise). These restrictions halted the initial outbreak, and for a short period, restrictions were eased and Australians felt some relief. The state of Victoria, the second most populous in Australia, then experienced a second and larger wave in June-August. By August, a ‘state of disaster’ was declared, with tighter government restrictions, including a curfew (8pm until 5am).