Thursday, March 28, 2024

Masks are still required at all NCW Libraries

Posted

NCW - NCW Libraries is still requiring all visitors to wear a mask, including those fully vaccinated.
 The latest guidance from the CDC has loosened mask recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals, and the library district is encouraged by climbing vaccination rates and declining infection rates. Here is why masks are still required when visiting libraries and bookmobile locations:
Fully Vaccinated rates throughout our service area average 32%. In some counties the rate of fully vaccinated individuals are in the low 20%.
The guidance from the governor and the CDC does not apply to health care settings, homeless shelters, or schools, and the federal order requiring masks on public transportation remains in place. The service population of libraries is more akin to hospitals, schools, homeless shelters, and public transportation than it is to retail shops and restaurants.
We want our libraries to be free, open, and accessible to everyone and to do that all patrons can protect our most vulnerable populations by continuing to wear masks and limit their time inside our library buildings.
L&I guidance has not been updated by the state yet. In the absence of clear guidelines regarding our requirements as an employer, lifting the mask requirement for patrons would be premature.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here