Thanks A Million: Sydney pharmacist Connie Arronis puts customers first during COVID

Pharmacy manager Connie Arronis has gone above and beyond to help those battling illnesses while remaining open during the pandemic. She is now nominated for the Thanks a Million campaign.

Connie Arronis is always ready with advice for sniffles, coughs and fevers — but she wasn’t prepared for a COVID-19 pandemic.

Since March, the Illawong discount drug store pharmacist has been inundated with nervous customers as communities turned to their neighbourhood pharmacies for advice.

Illawong pharmacist Connie Arronis. Picture: Toby Zerna

“It was a confronting time for the staff who had to keep up with phone inquiries and stay calm while we remained open,” the 29-year-old said.

“I remember coming home from work and crying to my parents because of the pressure.”

Customers had started to hoard basic medication, leading to increased back orders, empty shelves and shortages of medications like panadol, cold and flu tablets and other treatments for asthma, blood pressure and diabetes.

“It became extraordinarily difficult to keep shelves fully stocked,” Ms Arronis said. “I never thought a pharmacy can run out of essentials, the most basic medications.”

Connie Arronis has gone above and beyond to help those battling illnesses while remaining open during the pandemic. Picture: Toby Zerna

Ms Arronis said the pharmacy had conducted more than 600 flu vaccinations since lockdown and started offering medication pick-up and deliveries to those sick and isolating at home.

“As an essential worker, I was happy to give the time and look after my community,” Ms Arronis said.

“When you face this hardship you cannot really help much. You do your best.

“We’re all just trying to work together.”

Ms Arronis has been nominated for News Corp Australia’s Thanks A Million campaign, which honours those who have put their safety and lives on the line.

You can also nominate someone who has helped their community during this difficult time at thanksamillion.net.au

Originally published as Thanks A Million: Sydney pharmacist Connie Arronis puts customers first during COVID