Your safety is important to us, so we are taking the following precautions:
• Public programs are cancelled through April 5, 2020
• Surfaces such as desks, chairs, tables, doorknobs, and computer keyboards are being wiped with disinfectant regularly
• All toys, puzzles, and games have been removed from public use
• Libraries will close from March 19 through April 5, 2020 and reopening will be reassessed then
• All due dates between March 17 and April 30 have been extended to May 1
• No fines are accruing during this period
• On March 17 and March 18 the library is open only to pick up materials and check them out. No other services such as public Internet or reading in the library are available. Public meeting rooms are not available for use on these days.
We offer ebooks and downloadable audio books through OverDrive and Ebooks Minnesota that you can access remotely. There are also a variety of research materials online available to you through the NWRL website.
How you can be proactive
In addition to staying home if you are sick, the World Health Organization recommends you do the following to limit the spread of the virus:
• Wash your hands frequently- regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands kills viruses.
• Maintain social distancing- maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Coughing sends droplets with viruses in the air and they may be breathed in, spreading any viruses to others.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. When you touch your face, you risk transferring viruses your fingers and hands have come in contact with on other surfaces to your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Practice respiratory hygiene-Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. This reduces the likelihood that droplets containing viruses will be spread to others.
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early- stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
• Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider- stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Northwest Regional Library remains open, but we are learning more daily and our practices may change frequently as new information becomes available. Please check our website (nwrlib.org) and branch Facebook pages for updates.
Additional COVID-19 Resources
Minnesota Department of Health Services https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
