CVS, Walgreens Close Some Pharmacies On Weekends Due To Worker Shortages

Walgreens and CVS are reportedly closing down some of the companies’ pharmacies on Saturdays and/or Sundays to address the worker shortage issue that is affecting various industries across the country. 

The Wall Street Journal reported, “CVS Health Corp. […] and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. […] said weekend shutdowns are unusual but become a reality when locations lack enough pharmacists and technicians to remain open.”

Other stores such as Macy’s and Walmart are reducing their hours, as well, as staff either are remaining at home because they are sick, waiting to get test results back, or are taking care of other people who have been infected with the coronavirus. 

The Journal reported that prior to the Omicron variant spreading across the country, the drugstore companies were shortening hours, increasing wages, and attempting to bring on tens of thousands of additional employees to deal with the worker shortages. “But with their roles as major providers of Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, the chains are also dealing with growing discontent among existing staff as well as customers’ concern about service,” the outlet added. 

CVS and Walgreens both reportedly said they are not able to measure the weekend shutdowns, which change every week and sometimes take place without much of a heads-up. Customers in Washington, D.C., as well as areas of Maine and New York said they have been surprised to find the drive-through service or the pharmacy area closed in recent weeks. Some even came to the pharmacy for a scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment to discover that the pharmacy itself was not open. – READ MORE