Netty, its not entirely true that you still need to actually see a GP to get a prescription although I appreciate your GP may still want to do this . It is " best practice " to ensure that we do not use antibiotics when not needed .
However, I am a retired Gp and my daughter a working GP and they are definitely giving prescriptions out after phone or video consultations.
Not ideal , I know and for me , after decades of trying hard not to do this , needs must in these dark days .
So , all surgeries may differ in their approach but if you are unwell you must still contact your GP .
There are many people who are not doing this , to their detriment. They may be fearful : they may see their symptoms as of lesser importance to Covid-19; they may not want to be a nuisance.
My fear is that people will become more ill than they might do or that new , serious illnesses fail to get diagnosed until this is over .