Pharmacies are one of the few shops left open amid the coronavirus outbreak

Specialist insurer for the pharmacy sector NPAI has vowed to help its customers facing business disruption from the Covid-19 outbreak.

It is offering to identify and send in contractors to carry out deep cleaning services of premises as well as offering specialist advice to make sure their shops can stay open.

Managing director Paul Coleman said: “We understand how important it is for our customers to minimise any business interruption relating to enforced closure due to Covid-19.

”Our customers with business interruption insurance can be reassured that they are covered for an enforced closure by PHE and that they will be fully supported by our in-house claims team throughout any period of disruption.”

The insurer pointed out that in Europe, pharmacies are one of only a handful of shops that have been allowed to stay open, providing a critical service to people.

“As the spread of Covid-19 threatens to close down retail outlets across the country and access to GP surgeries and A&E is severely restricted, communities are becoming more reliant than ever on their local pharmacies for the provision of medicines and clinical services. 

”Every day that our customers cannot open for business has a huge impact on people’s wellbeing,” Coleman added.

NPAI was set up in 1899 and offers products including public liability, professional indemnity, and legal expense cover.