PCCLD modified its COVID-19 protocols on September 1 to require masks over the nose and mouth for everyone inside libraries. This currently includes all staff and members of the general public who are 2 years and older. The masking requirement has been enacted with the unanimous support of the PCCLD Board of Trustees. We will continue to monitor local COVID-19 transmission and the Trustees will re-examine the matter later this month.
The masking rule for the general public inside local libraries is in effect in order to help address the high number of positive COVID-19 cases now in Pueblo County and to assist in maintaining safe and healthy library environments. PCCLD is joined in requiring masks by other local public institutions including, but not limited to, the City of Pueblo, schools and day care, the Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment, CSU-Pueblo, and Pueblo Community College. This effort is consistent with current guidance for universal mask wearing in indoor public places where there is high COVID-19 transmission regardless of vaccination status as recommended by local, state and federal public health authorities. PCCLD’s current masking practices generally align with guidance provided by the CDC that is found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
PCCLD is providing courtesy masks to members of the public at all libraries and the masking requirement will be applied in a manner consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws. Most library visitors have been willingly complying with PCCLD’s masking rule, understanding that it is in place in order to better protect everyone’s health and well-being. There has been pushback from a few. All employees should review this reference guide for helpful information about recommended methods for working with members of the public with PCCLD masking procedures: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IlegYi24Yf3mB_gt43tnAuIRRnLy6395q6naeo8khi0/edit
Here is another PCCLD document that provides additional information about our current COVID-19 protocols (see pp. 39 ff): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iIHhV-9YERIVSu-PvgDk3aoxkDcFEWdy1Pl-g7e0hBw/edit.
I expect the current high level of COVID-19 transmission locally will reduce sometime in the future. Hopefully, this will happen sooner rather than later. We will rescind or modify the masking policy when the rate goes down sufficiently. In the meantime, it is in everyone’s best interest to keep this rule in place.
Sincerely,
Jon
Jon Walker
Executive Director
