Library operations update
April 5, 2020
At Rideau Lakes Public Library we value you as a library member, your access to information and the safety of our community. As CEO/Chief Librarian I want to let all of our members know that we are following the emergency measures taken by all levels of government and recommendations from public health authorities.
For this reason, all of our branches remain temporarily closed. Your library staff is working tirelessly behind the scenes, from home, to continue to deliver the best service and programming in novel and creative ways. We are all doing our part to keep our community safe in trying to limit the short and long-term impacts of the Covid-19 virus.
Please note that during this time:
- we are offering eCollections and virtual programs
- Wifi continues to be available outside of all branches
- dropboxes are available for returning items but you are welcome to keep items at your home in the interim
- any outstanding or overdue items will be renewed
- any fines on DVDs will be forgiven
- the holds feature on our online catalogue is not available at this time
You are able to check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and more with our fantastic e-collections : Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla & Flipster Contact us at info@rlpl.ca if you are having difficulty logging in or can’t access your PIN.
We will continue to look to public health officials and our municipal partners to assess the changing situation. We will let you know of any further changes through http://www.rlpl.ca, our newsletter, and social media sites.
One of the best tools in our fight against viral pandemics is awareness and accurate information so we have included trusted sources of information on this page. Working together we can help to ensure that COVID-19 does not lead to unnecessary fear or division in our community. RLPL’s priority is to help keep the public and our staff safe, healthy and informed.
Vicki Stevenson, CEO vicki@rlpl.ca (613) 359-5334 (temporary reduced office hour Friday mornings 10 – 11 a.m.)
Information on Covid-19
What is Covid-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Some transmit easily from person to person while others do not. COVID-19 is a new disease that has not been previously identified in humans.
China determined that a novel coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) is responsible for the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan. Authorities in China and worldwide are conducting further investigations to better understand where the disease came from, how it is spread and the clinical severity of illness in humans.
Source: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Self-assessment tools
For those persons who may be concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19, the federal government has created an online self-assessment tool. You will be asked a series of questions and dependent upon the responses and symptoms identified, the tool will provide advice, giving one of the four following actions:
- Visit an emergency room
- Call telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
- Self-isolate at home
- Do nothing
Access the self-assessment tool here.
Daily Updates
The main Ontario government webpage on COVID-19, including updates on the current situation and current affected areas.
Tracking of cases across Ontario, grouped by Health Unit.
Informational Resources
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resourcesFactsheets and infographics, Government of Canada
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Guidance documentsFor communities, schools and daycares, and health professionals. Government of Canada.
- Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in CanadaGovernment of Canada.
- What We Know So Far About… Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)Public Health Ontario.
- Information sheet (available in multiple languages)The Ministry of Health has developed an information sheet about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to inform Ontarians about the virus, how they can protect themselves and what to do if they think they have contracted the 2019 novel coronavirus. The information sheet is available in multiple languages.
- Guidance for the Health SectorMinistry of Health, Ontario government.
- Ontario Government NewsroomKeyword search: COVID-19, coronavirus
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions (FAQ)Government of Canada.
- Coronavirus Infections
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the publicWorld Health Organization.
- John Hopkins Corona Virus Resource Center tracks cases globally.