Why You Might Find The Local CVS Pharmacist Out To Lunch

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — In recent days, some CVS customers received text messages and emails informing them that their local CVS pharmacy counter would close daily for a scheduled lunch break.

It turns out the new midday shutdown is part of a company-wide policy that affects nearly all CVS pharmacies in the country. Company officials said the move is part of an effort to reduce stress on its pharmacists, in the wake of a global pandemic during which pharmacy crews were on the front lines of the battle.

This week, some CVS customers in the Hudson Valley received emails informing them of the new policy under the subject line: "Taking care of our pharmacists."

To make sure all of our pharmacists have time to take a lunch break, your local CVS Pharmacy will be closed daily from 1:30 to 2:00 PM. By taking care of themselves, our pharmacists will be able to provide you with even better support and service.
During that time, all activity at the pharmacy will be unavailable, including pickup, drop-off and the drive-thru. Of course, we’re always open at CVS.com, and in the CVS Pharmacy app.
Thank you for helping us take care of our pharmacists, and thank you for choosing CVS!

A CVS spokesperson said that starting Feb. 28, most of its pharmacies began closing for lunch between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily.

"We want to make sure our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are at their best, which means supporting their schedules accordingly," CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault told Patch. "While we’ve always had a meal break policy, we’ve begun rolling out a pre-scheduled, uninterrupted lunch break across our pharmacies. This break gives our pharmacy teams a predictable and consistent daily pause while minimizing disruption to our patients. We’re proactively notifying customers and appreciate their support and understanding."

During the pandemic, pharmacists have been tasked with testing, vaccinating and providing public health information for thousands of patients during a deadly outbreak and the waves of variants that followed. The decision by CVS is an indication that the past two years have taken a toll on its essential workers.

A recent study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), found that pharmacists have reported unprecedented levels of burnout and emotional exhaustion.

"This study demonstrates that pharmacists experienced burnout during the global COVID-19 pandemic," the NCBI said. "Burnout is associated with absenteeism, leaving the profession, self-reported errors, and reduced patient care."

The international survey of pharmacists — "Burnout and the challenges facing pharmacists during COVID-19" — concluded that steps such as guaranteeing a pre-scheduled, uninterrupted lunch break can help combat the effects of burnout. The study found, however, that counseling and support are desperately needed for those who provided an essential medical service through the historic crisis.