Vernon Area library cancels public programs

Vernon Area Public Library has canceled all public programs through March 31 in response to recent public health recommendations, officials said in a news release.

The decision was made Wednesday evening, hours after state and Lake County health officials announced a Lake County resident had tested positive for COVID-19. The rising number of coronavirus cases in Illinois and the declaration of a global pandemic from the World Health Organization also were factors, library officials said in a news release.

There has not been any known exposure involving the Lincolnshire library, officials said.

Library officials said health experts say social distancing - isolating people and canceling gatherings - is the best solution to avoid the rapid spread of the disease.

Patrons registered for the canceled programs are being notified.

The library is open to the public, officials said, but changes have been made to minimize exposure risk to patrons and staff. Toys in the youth area have been temporarily put away. Maintenance staff are frequently sanitizing high-touch surfaces. Seating has been moved farther apart. Homebound and senior center delivery has been reduced or temporarily discontinued.

Visitors are encouraged to follow recommended public health measures: Stay home if not feeling well. Wash hands frequently. Use the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the library.

Vernon Area is the first public library in Lake County to cancel programming as an early intervention in the health crisis. Officials said anyone seeking information on coronavirus can find links to WHO, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Johns Hopkins, and Lake County Health Department on the library's homepage, https://vapld.info, and it has compiled in a COVID-19 research guide at https://guides.vapld.info/coronavirus.