The PSNC has urged contractors to talk to their employer or supervisor if they disagree with a notification from NHS test and trace about a close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

This comes amid concerns that the system, which has encountered fierce criticism in recent days, could force a pharmacy to close if one member of the team is told to self-isolate.

The sector negotiator said that in the event a member of a pharmacist's team disagrees with a notification, the pharmacy should “escalate” the case to Public Health England so it can be reviewed “where there are implications for the continued provision of pharmacy services".

The PSNC said factors such as when and where the close contact took place and whether the team member was wearing personal protective equipment at the time should be taken into account when deciding if that individual needs to self-isolate.