COVID-19 Information

The Mechanicsburg Public Library is OPEN!

Updated Hours are: 10am-7pm Monday-Thursday, 10am-6pm Friday, and 10am-3pm Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Below are examples of the additional measures that MPL is taking to help ensure the well-being of our community:

  • While masks are no longer required to enter, we recommend the use of a mask if you have not been vaccinated or are at high risk.
  • A plexiglass shield is installed on one-half of the Service Desk.
  • Hand sanitizer is available upon entering the building.
  • We will be disinfecting high contact surfaces regularly.
  • Individuals will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per computer session if others are waiting. All computers will be cleaned between users.
  • We will continue to offer our curbside service 10am-7pm Monday – Thursday, 10am-6pm Friday, and 10am-3pm Saturday for those not comfortable coming into the building.

We ask that if you have a fever or are not feeling well to please stay home.

For more information, call 937-834-2004.

At-Home COVID-19 Tests Update

We currently have Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests. When you arrive, please call 937-834-2004 and we will bring the tests to you (limit 2 boxes/4 tests per family).

Other options for receiving tests:

Testing information:

There are two different kinds of tests. Both are Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid antigen tests and are self-administered nasal swab tests.

  • Over the Counter (OTC) Tests: do not include a telehealth visit, are not proctored, and do not provide users with a "pass" to show for work, school, and/or travel. They have two tests per box.
  • Home Tests: To use a Home Test kit, you must have access to the Internet and either a smart phone/tablet with a camera or a computer/laptop with a webcam. Once you get home with the test, you will go to the website https://ohio.emed.com or the NAVICA app (available for iOS and Android). You will answer a series of questions to prepare for a free visit with an eMed proctor who will provide instructions for taking the test. The entire process will take 15 to 30 minutes to complete and receive results.

We often do not have control over which type of tests we receive.

Original press release:

In an effort to continue community support during the pandemic, Mechanicsburg Public Library is excited to provide free COVID-19 at-home tests through curbside pickup.

The Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are self-administered nasal swab tests. Provided at no cost by the state of Ohio through an agreement with eMed, they can provide test results in as little as 15 minutes.

Anyone can access a free test during operational hours. Patrons may request more than one test (with a limit of four tests per family) and won’t be asked for any personal information. However, patrons will be asked not to take the test at the library. Other than providing tests for pickup, library staff will not be able to help with administering the test in any way.

To request a test, please call the library at 937-834-2004 during open hours of Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Library staff will bring your test(s) to your vehicle or a designated pickup spot.

This service is available at Mechanicsburg Public Library thanks to support from the Ohio Department of Health and its partnership with Abbott and eMed to bring rapid, reliable testing into the home. To see a full list of locations providing COVID-19 tests, visit https://ohio.emed.com.

New Curbside Click & Collect Service at Mechanicsburg Public Library

Mechanicsburg Public Library now has a new service available on the SEO Libraries app. The Curbside Click & Collect service is a safe and convenient way for patrons to pick up “on-hold” items. Patrons can wait in their vehicle while a member of the staff brings the items out to them – no phone call necessary!

To begin the process, download the SEO Libraries app for iOS and Android. Search for an item you would like to borrow and click “Place Hold.” Once the item has been retrieved or delivered, the item will be labeled as “BEING_HELD” under your list of current holds in My Account. You will see a button for Click & Collect above your holds. Tapping that button will begin the process. Next, enter your information to help the staff identify you when it’s time to bring out your items. The optional fields are vehicle make, model, and color, plus an option to receive a paper receipt. Select > I’m On My Way when you are headed to pick up your items. Allow for either GPS tracking or select an ETA option. Tap > I’m Here! when you have arrived. Receive status updates as the staff prepares and brings out your items. When you have received your items, hit > Done to complete the transaction. For more information, call the library at 937-834-2004 or watch this video.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

The State now has a website for vaccine eligibility and appointment booking: https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov/ .

Authoritative information on this virus is available from the following sources.

coronavirus.ohio.gov
Updates for Ohio and prevention information from the Ohio Department of Health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC, the main U.S. federal agency monitoring and responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak, has created a microsite with frequently updated information for health practitioners, researchers, and the general public. 

National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research. This resource provides background on coronaviruses, along with updated information and links concerning the 2019 novel coronavirus. 

World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO, a leading international health agency helping to coordinate the global response to the coronavirus outbreak, offers global news updates and helpful videos, answers common questions (Should I wear a mask to protect myself? How does this virus spread?), and dispels myths (no, gargling with mouthwash won’t protect against the virus).

Science News
This news site published by the nonprofit Society for Science & the Public has created a page dedicated to the coronavirus outbreak, featuring stories by their staff writers.

Everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and staying healthy. Please stay home and do not visit the library if you are exhibiting signs of the flu or if you are not feeling well. We invite you to explore everything we offer on our website. You can go digital and download eBooks, audiobooks and more with the Ohio Digital Library and/or Hoopla and your library card.

Prevention:

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water several times a day. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home while you are sick (except to visit a health care professional) and avoid close contact with others.

• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces each day. Use a household cleaner according to label instructions.

• Avoid large gatherings.

• Use online transactions when possible.

• Avoid visiting nursing homes -- and if you are sick, do NOT visit nursing homes.

• If you have an older person in your home or someone with compromised health, such as asthma, understand that the biggest threat to them may be you bringing the virus into the home.

• If you or a loved one are older, think twice about an upcoming trip. 

How to apply for Coronavirus-related Unemployment

  • File online at Unemployment.Ohio.gov
  • Call toll-free: 1-877-644-6562 or TTY 1-614-387-8408
  • The one-week waiting period will be waived as of 3/16/2020
  • Unemployment benefits will cover:

    1.    Individuals requested by employer to be quarantined as a consequence of COVID-19, even if they’re not diagnosed

    2.    Laid off employees due to loss of production caused by COVID-19

    3.    In few cases, asymptomatic employees that impose a self-quarantine

    4.    Those in mandatory quarantine because of suspicion of having COVID-19

  • Questions and Answers

Source URL: https://mechanicsburgohlibrary.org/content/covid-19-information