A viral outbreak is always a public health concern, and Deschutes Pubic Library — like other public agencies and health care providers in Deschutes County — is monitoring recent cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Though no cases have been reported in Deschutes County, the library encourages staff and customers to be aware of prevention measures and to use common sense when gathering in public places.
“The libraries in Deschutes County are taking measures to ensure our spaces are cleaned thoroughly every day by both staff and regular janitorial services,” said library director Todd Dunkelberg. “Deschutes Public Library will continue monitoring the evolving nature of the virus and will continue working with staff and customers to ensure that proper safety measures are followed.”
Every Deschutes Public Library location has alcohol-based hand sanitizer available for use, and restrooms provide warm water and soap for hand washing. It is recommended that customers wash or sanitize their hands before using public computers, check-out kiosks or restrooms, as well as before handling materials and other public surfaces such as doorknobs. The library also recommends that people wash or sanitize their hands again after all such interactions.
“As a library, we’re here to provide information for our customers about measures that will help prevent the spread of disease and viruses,” said Dunkelberg. “We encourage residents of Deschutes County to stay calm and seek information from the Centers for Disease Control, the Oregon Health Authority and Deschutes County Health Department.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that coronaviruses do not survive well on surfaces, but are spread most often by small droplets of mucus from the nose and throat. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, which is why diligent hand washing and sanitizing are so important. However, in addition to fastidious hand washing, the CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask, as the supply of facemasks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings. The agency recommends facemasks be worn by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent its spread.
For additional health and safety information, visit:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- Oregon Health Authority: oregon.gov/oha/pages/index.aspx
- Deschutes County Health Department: deschutes.org/health/page/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
