UPDATE: As of March 13, all Greene County Public Library locations will be closed until April 6, 2020.
GREENE COUNTY, OH: On Monday, March 9, Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency in response to the confirmation of three cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. The state of emergency was declared to create the flexibility needed for officials to respond effectively in the coming days. Since that time, one additional case of “community-spread” COVID-19 has been confirmed.
As concerns about COVID-19 grow, Greene County Public Library is working in coordination with local health officials to make sure our staff and patrons are safe and healthy. On Wednesday, March 11, our library administration met with Greene County Public Health to ensure best practices.
On Thursday, March 12, we decided it was in the best interest of public health and safety to cancel all programming held at our seven community locations through April 15. Meeting rooms will also be unavailable for reservation by all outside groups. “We know that COVID-19 spreads in large groups,” says library Executive Director Karl Colón. “We are joining other Ohio libraries like our friends at Dayton Metro to limit social exposure.”
All seven community library locations are cleaned every night by a professional cleaning crew. Staff is also regularly cleaning high-contact surfaces (door handles, computer terminals, etc.). Patrons are encouraged practice good hygiene by washing their hands, maintaining physical distance from others, and avoiding hand-to-face contact.
“If you are not feeling well, stay home,” advises Colón. “For anyone wanting to further limit their social exposure, the library has exterior 24-hour book drops as well as a plethora of online resources.”
All Greene County residents should implement the personal prevention protection methods used to prevent flu and other infectious diseases as recommended public health agencies:
- Wash hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry hands with a clean towel or air-dry hands.
- Use hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
For more information pertaining to the library, please visit greenelibrary.info. For information concerning COVID-19, the State of Ohio has created: coronavirus.ohio.gov, opens a new window.
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CONTACT: Ryan Ireland, Communications Coordinator, 937-736-7081
