SARS, MERS and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Here’s what some contributors have suggested for pandemic influenza planning, a lot is still unknown:

See also: CDC Holiday Planning 2020: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html?fbclid=IwAR1v0UOvfGGTFMDPVuqKA6D9ykpAaDJ-ajVtfotwAcGbvk0makvBfPeyqig

• HAND-WASHING!!!
  
• The flu is dangerous to children and young people especially. It is not fair to endanger the lives of other children just because patrons are bored at home. (see: Sick)
  
• You may wish to post a sign stating that if you think you have flu, or are experiencing flu-like symptoms to please avoid spreading them by staying home, or washing your hands.
• If a patron is coughing and sneezing, and looks very sick, ask them to visit again when they feel better.
• You may want to wipe down keyboards/mice each day--especially if there is an outbreak in the area.
• There should be alcohol-based hand and computer-peripheral cleaners available to the public.
•  Remove all puzzles, puppets, and baby storytime toys that are for public use.  Instead offer more coloring sheets, computer games, and tactile objects in storytimes. 
• All desks, reference desks should have the CDC Cough and Cover flyer, sanitizer, and tissues. 
• At the start of all programs pass around sanitizer and have tissues and available.
• If a child looks sick, ask the parent to remove the child from a program and visit us when they feel better.
• Make a point of telling the kids about "staying safe from bad germs" and give out stickers instead of hugs. "There are some bad germs in our community!  What do we do to stay safe?  We wash our hands (make brisk hand washing motions).  How do we cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze?” (Practice coughing and sneezing into your elbow.) 
•  Another concern is not having enough staff. You may already be feeling stretched to the limit. You may want to ask other staff to “be prepared” in case of illness. Know what your colleagues are committed to, so someone can follow thru if the primary contact is out sick.