The Health and safety of LPCPL’s Staff is a top priority. LPCPL will phase in library services to ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local health recommendations. To protect the health of the individual staff and the public,
the following mitigation strategies have been designed.
Employee Health Screening Process
All staff will monitor how they feel and be aware of potential symptoms of COVID-19.
If a staff member does not feel well, exhibits any COVID-19 symptoms, or has a temperature above 100.4 (or feels feverish), the staff member must stay home.
Sick employees should stay home until they are free of fever (without the use of medication) for at least 72 hours (three full days) and symptoms have improved for at least 72 hours and at least seven days have passed since symptoms first began. LPCPL will not require a healthcare provider’s note to validate the illness or return to work of employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness.
Enhanced Cleaning
Staff will clean surfaces used by the public after each use according to the cleaning protocols. Protocols require using cleaning products known to be effective cleaners and disinfectants according to CDC guidelines. Staff working in the office and shared workspaces will clean the area including all electronic surfaces when done working in that space.
Library materials will be quarantined for 24 hours when returned by a customer. Procedures have been developed to minimize the handling of materials by staff. After the quarantine period, materials will be cleaned as necessary and processed for return to shelves.
Compliance with Social Distancing
LPCPL requires social distancing of at least six feet between staff except when situations arise such as passing co-workers in a hallway or traveling past a co-worker’s workspace. LPCPL may make changes in services, open hours, and schedules to ensure compliance with social distancing recommendations.
Personal Hygiene/Ability to Wash Hands
Staff will frequently and thoroughly wash and sanitize hands using CDC guidelines. Upon removal of any PPE, staff must wash hands thoroughly before touching anything else. Masks will be supplied to all staff: two masks per staff member. It is the responsibility of staff to clean their masks according to CDC recommendations. Masks should be worn when staff are unable to appropriately socially distance themselves. Staff will practice respiratory etiquette according to CDC guidelines.
Fonda Owens
Fonda Owens is the Director at La Porte County Public Library. A native of Virginia, she has made her home in Indiana along with her family. Growing up in rural Appalachia, she brings a thirst for knowledge, discovery, and opportunity to her work and strives to inspire it in others. Baking and kayaking are her current interests but she could find something new and fascinating at any minute.
Enhanced Cleaning
Personal Hygiene/Ability to Wash Hands
