Dr Duncan Petty PhD has urged the public not to be tempted to stockpile drugs and told the Stray Ferret that preparations for Brexit has helped with the supply of medicines during the crisis.

Dr Petty, who lives in Harrogate and is a member of the English Board of The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Society,  said in the early days of the outbreak pharmacies came under huge pressure as people tried to get hold of their drugs in advance before self-isolating. It put a serious strain on community pharmacies at a time when they had reduced staffing due to the coronavirus.

Dr Petty said there is sufficient supply if people order at the correct time.  There will only be a shortage if everyone tries to get their medicines early.

Dr Petty says pharmacies do deliver to people who are unable to leave their homes but most have a very limited capacity to do this. He sad the government is organising "hubs" through local councils for patients who are self-isolating to organise volunteers to do the deliveries.

In a statement Harrogate Borough Council said: "The government has contacted vulnerable residents with information about how they can get in touch with support networks, such as community hubs, should they need them".