There are calls for the Medical Card prescription levy to be suspended for the duration of the crisis.
The Irish Pharmacy Union and Age Action say people who are advised to cocoon are turning up in pharmacies to pay for medicines.
The IPU says this is because patients currently need to pay the prescription levy, and that it is 'impossible' for volunteers to do it for them.
It says eliminating this charge would be a compassionate gesture, and a benefit to the most vulnerable patients.
