Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information

Masks are required in the library at all times.

The novel coronavirus has been the subject of many recent news and social media reports. Your health and safety is of utmost importance to us. We know that information is a key to good health and that sometimes reliable information is hard to find. That’s why we have taken the time to assemble a list of trusted sources to help you find dependable and up-to-date information from local, state, and national perspectives about the COVID-19 outbreak.

The library is actively monitoring decisions and direction from state and local health officials. We are following the advice of these agencies, as well as the Center for Disease Control, so that we can respond as needed as this situation develops. We ask that you NOT come to the library if you or a household member has a fever, is vomiting, has the flu, conjunctivitis, etc. If you are too sick for school, you are too sick to be at the library! If you are too sick for work, you are too sick to be at the library! We are happy to renew your items by phone or by email. If you are sick, please hang onto your library items until you are well. We don’t charge late fees.

The CDC offers the following everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

The CDC recommends that individuals and families take these precautions for their health.

At the Library, we take this situation seriously and are meeting regularly and staying in touch with the Board of Health to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on our programs and events. We have taken additional steps beyond regular practices to maintain services in our community:

• We have plexiglass barriers at the circulation desk for your and our protection.
• Preventative hand washing flyers are posted in our restrooms.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at every location.
• Our janitorial staff is giving extra attention to cleaning and sanitizing high-touch areas.

World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO is a trusted, authoritative source for public health information.

• Coronavirus Mythbusters
• Coronavirus (health topic) – This landing page for the Coronaviruses family of viruses includes background, select news on the outbreak, and links to Questions and Answers on Coronaviruses.
• Advice for the Public – This page has practical information for dealing with the outbreak on a personal level. The page includes video, graphics, myth-busters, and even tips for coping with related stress.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC is our nation’s premier authority on public health information.

• Coronavirus – This page is a one-stop shop for background on COVID-19, as well as the class of coronaviruses; CDC-authored news monitoring the situation, including all the statistics on cases; and a wealth of resources for professionals, travelers, and the general public.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health

They are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak as well as any suspected cases in Massachusetts.
Information on the Outbreak of COVID-19

COVID-19 Response Reporting

• The state of Massachusetts provides reporting on COVID-19.

Johns Hopkins University

• Coronavirus COVID-19 Mapping by Johns Hopkins CSSE – The Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University is mapping the number of global cases of COVID-19. The data is updated throughout the day.

Other Sources

• NPR Comic for Kids

---

Thank you to the Stark County, OH, District Library for the template adapted here.