Columbus library staff member diagnosed with coronavirus; curbside service suspended
The day after the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries postponed its phased reopening because of an increase in Columbus coronavirus cases, CVL announced Tuesday it has suspended curbside pickup service because a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
“This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to the public and library employees,” CVL community engagement coordinator Tiffany Wilson said in a news release.
CVL director Alan Harkness told the Ledger-Enquirer in an emailed interview, “We learned late yesterday afternoon. This person will be working for the new cleaning company starting 7/1, and they informed us.”
The infected staff member works at the Columbus Public Library on Macon Road but also had direct contact with staff who serve the six branches, Harkness said.
“We don’t know any other details of this person’s condition, other than currently quarantining,” he said.
At least one employee has had direct contact with the infected staff member, Harkness said. CVL is trying to determine how many others, he said.
“Staff members who had close contact with the infected employee are being asked to quarantine for 14 days as recommended by the CDC,” Wilson said. “CVL will be working closely with a professional cleaning service to perform intensive cleanings at all locations.”
Harkness added in the news release, “We have implemented new safety protocols including quarantining materials and increased cleaning to protect employees and prevent the spread of the virus when launching curbside service. Masks and temperature and symptom checks have also been required, but the virus has unfortunately reached our workforce as cases in our service area recently surged.”
For materials currently checked out, the CVL advises:
- All book drops and 24-Hour locations remain closed.
- All due dates for items currently checked out will be extended until libraries reopen.
- Items on hold will remain on hold until libraries reopens.
CVL continues to offer virtual programming. Customers can check out digital materials at www.cvlga.org.
