22 July, 2021 – Clicks is making good progress in terms of re-opening stores and restoring essential services to areas in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng which were impacted by the recent unrest, reports Vikash Singh, Clicks Managing Executive.
To date the group has re-opened 78 stores and 23 vaccination sites in KwaZulu-Natal, and 214 stores and 42 vaccination sites in the rest of the country.
“Our operations and support teams have been working tirelessly to clean and re-stock looted and damaged stores. We are re-establishing our supply chain of life-saving medicines and essential goods as we know our customers rely on us for their healthcare needs and medication,” he says, adding that Clicks has bought in supplies and emergency medicines from other regions where necessary.
It has been heart-warming to see how people have united to take a stand against the looting and destruction and volunteered to clean up affected malls and stores, says Singh. “They truly are an inspiration to us all and a beacon of hope. I have been especially heartened by the messages of solidarity we have received from customers and the steps we have taken as a nation to start rebuilding during this difficult time.”
A total of 47 stores across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng remain temporarily closed after suffering more extensive damages. Clicks is doing everything in its power to reopen these at a pace where practically possible. Online orders will continue to be delivered although delivery delays may be experienced in some areas.
Existing chronic medication scripts from 35 of the worst affected stores have been redirected to the closest Clicks buddy dispensary. Customers can visit https://clicks.co.za/store-updates for the affected stores and their buddy dispensaries.
“Customers should also contact us if they need emergency chronic medication so that we can make alternative arrangements for them to collect this at their closest store or through Clicks Direct Medicines,” urges Singh. For emergency chronic medication, customers can fill in the form on the same link above or call Clicks Customer Service Centre on 0860 254 257.
He points out that medicines should only be bought online from a trusted source or a registered medical practitioner, pharmacy or hospital and encourages customers to report any attempted sale of stolen medicines to the SAPS immediately. “Stolen or improperly dispensed medicines can be extremely dangerous if not stored correctly or if contaminated and may cause dangerous side-effects if not used under medical supervision,” he cautions.
Clicks remains committed to the national imperative of getting as many people vaccinated in the shortest possible time. The group is working closely with the provincial departments of health to resume vaccination services in affected areas.
To date Clicks has administered 162 604 vaccinations at 283 vaccination sites nationwide and is on track to open 17 more vaccination sites across the country in the next few weeks as it continues its drive to ultimately reach a target of 602 vaccination sites.
Vaccination registrations on government’s Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) are now open to anyone over the age of 35. Only once all scheduled patients have received their vaccination will unscheduled walk-in patients be accommodated, with the most vulnerable – those over the age of 50 – receiving priority, adds Singh. “Walk-ins are managed based on stock availability and capacity,” he says. “I encourage all eligible individuals to register and get vaccinated as this is the only way that we will mitigate the impact of the pandemic.”
Revealing that the safety of customers and staff remains the group’s top priority, Singh says none of the group’s plans and actions would be possible without the dedication of staff and the support of customers and the communities Clicks serve.
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Issued by Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants on behalf of Clicks Group
For further information kindly contact
Susann Caminada
Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants
0879970111 /08 2775 4891