COVID-19

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
SALS News

SALS is open, the delivery has resumed – SALS has limited staff onsite.

Items in the delivery will now be quarantined for 96 hours Our Reopening Plan

OverDrive

  • OverDrive has removed all blocks for patrons.
    • If patrons are over the fine limit they will still be able to download book and
    • if patrons account are blocked because of the yearly address check they will still be able to download e-content
  • We encourage those of you with hoopla, cloudLibrary, Kanopy, freegal, freading, etc. to contact your vendors directly and have them remove blocks to accessing this content as a public service.

Polaris

In order to resume more normal operations, we have setup the following schedule to turn on patron notifications for holds, overdues and bills, as follows:
  • On 7/27/20, we will be turning on email and text notifications for all libraries that do not already have these notices turned on. We are doing this in order to send almost overdue reminders for all of the materials due on 7/30/20 (Due dates for items due while libraries were closed were pushed out to 7/30/20; there are a lot of items still out, and patrons need to be reminded to return them.).  Another implication is that hold notices will also be sent by email and text. If you are not ready to have these notices turned on, contact your system’s trainer to discuss your options by 7/23/20.
  • On 8/10/20, we will turn on overdue notices and bills. This means that your library should resume running these notices at least once a week. If you are not ready to resume sending these notices, contact your system’s trainer.
  • On 8/10/20, we will resume sending automatic notices for email and text holds, overdues, and almost overdues at the regular intervals throughout the day.

Lending Library

SALS lending library will be suspending services for the near future.
Reopening

CDC and EPA disinfection guidance

Virtual Meeting Tools
For a comparison of virtual meeting tools and info on patron privacy please visit this page https://salsblog.sals.edu/corvid-19/virtual-meeting-tools/
Aid, Relief, Programs & Information
Mental Health, Well-Being & Stress Relief
Background
On Saturday, March 7, 2020, Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency as the reporting of cases of COVID-19, more commonly known as the coronavirus, began to rise. Locally, we know of several confirmed cases in Saratoga County. Public libraries have a critical role to play in sharing information and resources related to this public health crisis. At this point, the priority is to remain calm, be informed and share what we know with the public, and reduce opportunities for transmission. While we cannot control COVID-19, we can regulate our response to it, and be thoughtful about how we interact and have contact with others, be sure to take ample preventative measures (wash your hands!), keep ourselves healthy, and self-quarantine if we are sick.
What is COVID-19
The World Health Organization designated COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020. COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, causes a range of respiratory illnesses that can be particularly dangerous to senior citizens and people with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions. The main difference between the flu and COVID-19 is the speed of transmission – the coronavirus has a longer incubation period, which can last up to 14 days from the time of infection to the appearance of symptoms. The virus may be transmitted by people who do not display symptoms, which makes it difficult to track. COVID-19 spreads relatively through pathogens in the air, in respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently no vaccines for COVID-19.
Covid-19 Testing
The CDC’s test to determine whether an individual has contracted Coronavirus is, at this time, only available at a laboratory that the CDC has designated as qualified. It is unclear whether testing will be made available to most health care practitioners; the CDC has indicated only that it will soon “share these tests with domestic and international partners.” New York has asked the CDC for authorization to test in-state, rather than requiring samples to be sent to the CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. New York is also creating its own test for COVID-19. (Source: The National Law Review) Tracking the Testing *Data gathered from the COVID Tracking Project New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker

Hotline for Testing Questions

NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline –  (888) 364-3065.  Call this number if you are inquiring about testing.
How should my library prepare?
First, take a deep breath. Remain calm. Focus on what preventative measures you can take to keep your community healthy. Some best practices include:
  • Social distancing (practice your introvert superpowers). Stay at least six feet away from people who are sick. At the library, consider removing some chairs or shutting down some computers to provide more space between patrons.
  • Familiarize yourself with your library’s policies and procedures regarding health outbreaks.
  • Keep the library stocked with tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disposable wipes.
  • Check on elderly patrons and colleagues.
  • Review and update policies about closing the library.
  • Communicate clearly with colleagues about any projects in case you or someone you caretake gets sick and you have to remain at home.
  • Promote digital resources – ebooks, e-audiobooks, and streaming services can be used by people who may be quarantined or choose to self-isolate.
  • Make provisions for patrons who may not have computer access at home.
  • Remain home if you are sick. If you do go out, consider wearing a face mask to reduce transmission of the disease.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (vodka will not do the trick).
  • Provide clear signage about handwashing, and protocols for keeping healthy.
  • Cover your mouth and nose if you are sick, or when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your face. We know, it’s hard. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces – including doorknobs, keyboards, light switches, and phones. Here is a CDC page on How to Clean, it is important to note the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing.
  • Do not shake hands. Practice your bow or curtsy.
  • Consult your library’s Business Continuity Plan. If you don’t have one in place, now’s a great time to think about creating one.
  • If you have not already, schedule a flu shot to provide protection to your immune system (it will not prevent COVID-19).
  • Minimize large gatherings of people. When possible, host virtual meetings.
  • Reach out to your county health department.
  • Get plenty of sleep, eat well, exercise, and drink lots of water.
  • Don’t be racist. COVID-19 was not generated from any race, ethnicity, or nationality.
For more information about what to do at work, check out these resources:

Virtual Programming Tally Sheet

Sample Policies

What if someone appears to be sick?
Use this opportunity to communicate, both internally and exterally, messages encouraging patrons not to use the library facility if they are experiencing symptoms of infectious disease (e.g. signage, email newsletters, etc.). Ask patrons to follow common public health advice (e.g. good cough and sneeze etiquette, hand washing). Do not approach or target any individual patrons or groups of patrons exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness and ask them to reconsider their use of the library. There are many non-contagious conditions that may cause a person to display symptoms.

Hotline for Testing Questions

NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline –  (888) 364-3065.  Call this number if you are inquiring about testing.
Maps & Visuals:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/maps-visuals
Other Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hudson Headwaters Health Network–Community Resources Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center Coronavirus at a Glance: Infographic National Institute of Health National Library of Medicine Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center Medline Plus NYS Department of Health Coronavirus Misinformation Tracking Center #librariesResist Health and Pandemics Resource List

County Departments of Health

Hamilton County Department of Health Warren County Department of Health Washington County Department of Health Saratoga County Department of Health New York State Novel Coronavirus Hotline: (888) 364-3065 Glens Falls Hospital COVID-19 Hotline: 518-926-HELP (4357)