Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Prevention
KPL prioritizes the health of our patrons and staff
Kalamazoo Public Library’s Response
The health and safety of our staff and patrons is of the utmost importance. We are closely monitoring information about the virus and following the direction from state and local health officials. As more information develops, we will update this page and notify our patrons of any disruption to programs or services that may occur as a result of the virus.
While the current risk in our area remains low, we are following the current CDC recommendations to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by:
- Posting COVID-19 information/prevention signage in public areas at all five locations
- Providing hand sanitizer (70% alcohol-based), disinfectant wipes and tissues at all public desks and public computers for patrons who wish to wipe down keyboards and mice
- Increasing frequency of regular disinfection of hard surfaces with a hospital-grade antiviral disinfectant including: handrails, door handles, elevator buttons, sinks and faucets, countertops, window sills, light switches, chair arms and copier/printer controls
- Requiring KPL staff stay home when they are sick
- Requiring KPL staff to regularly practice the preventative measures listed above
Coronavirus (COVID-19)*
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading between people.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- severe complications may include pneumonia in both lungs
How can I help protect myself?
There are simple everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:
- 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
*All information and recommendations above were provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). As more information is learned about the virus, this information may change. For the latest information and recommendations from the CDC, visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19.
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