Rising coronavirus cases prompts Chattahoochee Valley Libraries to postpone reopening
The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries has postponed the next phase of its reopening plan because of an increased number of coronavirus cases.
According to the plan the Muscogee County Library Board unanimously approved June 2, the libraries could have reopened their buildings June 29 for limited computer use by adults.
But with a spike in local COVID-19 diagnoses, the libraries will keep their buildings closed to the public until at least July 13, CVL community engagement coordinator Tiffany Wilson told the Ledger-Enquirer on Monday.
That means the curbside-only service will continue at the Columbus Public Library and the six branches.
“We will be reassessing weekly,” Wilson said.
In an emailed interview with the L-E, CVL director Alan Harkness said the decision whether to reopen the public computers for adults July 13 will be made July 7.
The library board has given Harkness the authority to change the timing of the phases within the scope of the plan. Harkness consults with CVL’s administrative staff and uses data from public health agencies to make those decisions, he said.
In addition to the number of local coronavirus cases increasing, Harkness also cited the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s situation report that shows the availability of West Central Georgia’s critical care beds to be decreasing.
For example, 26 were available two weeks ago June 15, and 16 were available Monday.
“We’re still providing curbside pick-up service at all locations,” he said, “with a greater number of hours to choose from, including Saturdays and evenings. We still have a wide variety of e-materials for people to check out as well.”
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 4:50 PM.
