Dear All,
As we prepare to partially reopen local libraries next week, it is important to keep in mind that COVID-19 continues to be a serious public health concern. The spread of the virus locally is declining at this time although the current number of reported cases remains too high. It is critical for each of us to continue wearing face masks when in the presence of others, social distance ourselves from one another, and regularly wash our hands and sanitize high-touch surfaces. These simple measures are proven to be effective in slowing the spread of the illness. Vaccines to prevent COVID-19 are another important strategy to help protect our health for the longer term. Public health authorities report vaccines should even bring the epidemic to an end once enough individuals are vaccinated. PCCLD has received word from the Pueblo County Department of Public Health and Environment that library employees are to be included as essential workers in determining eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine locally. Vaccination of essential workers is expected to begin in March in Colorado, although this schedule is subject to change. Healthcare workers and emergency responders were the first top priority and have been receiving vaccines for several weeks. Now vaccines are beginning to be distributed to county residents who are aged 70 years and over. Vaccinations for the 70+ population in Pueblo County currently are expected to continue through late February before essential workers—including PCCLD employees—become eligible. We anticipate receiving additional information about the library employee COVID-19 vaccination program in the upcoming weeks and we will share this with you when it becomes available. National, state and local health authorities have more information online about COVID-19 vaccines:
· https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
· https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine-faq
· https://county.pueblo.org/public-health/pueblo-department-public-health-and-environment/vaccine
Jon
Jon Walker
Executive Director
