covid-19

NERL and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Keeping You Safe Is Our Priority

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on self isolation for people who test positive for COVID-19.
According to the new guidelines, people who are symptomatic with COVID-19 should isolate at home for 10 days after symptoms begin, and for 24 hours after your fever has broken.
“A limited number of persons with severe illness” or who are severely immunocompromised, may need to isolate for 20 days after symptom onset, the agency said.
Asymptomatic patients should isolate for 10 days from the date of the first positive test.
The new guidelines were previewed last week, when officials said CDC would recommend people do not need to have two negative tests in order to end isolation, which was the previous standard.
The update comes as the U.S. testing system is strained to the brink due to the rampant surges of coronavirus cases in dozens of states across the country. Results can take as long as two weeks to return, which makes the tests effectively useless.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines

Like all Mississipians, we are facing the challenges of a quickly changing landscape in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As always, the health and safety of our patrons and staff is our priority. We are in constant communication with other city departments, local officials and health authorities.

Following Governor Reeve’s directive and out of an abundance of caution, we want to share the steps the library is taking to protect the health and safety of our patrons and staff while still providing essential library services:

  • Following guidelines limiting the number of people in public buildings, we have closed all 13 branch libraries through March 31.
  • During this time no late fines will be assessed for overdue items, and patrons can return materials when libraries reopen.
  • Of course our many digital services remain available 24/7 at nereg.lib.ms.us including e-books and audiobooks, and digital subscriptions to magazines. Check the website menu under Digital Resources.
  • We created and will continue to update this resource page with information about the COVID-19 virus and how to keep you and your loved ones safe.

You can stay updated on the library here on our website and following our social media accounts.

Once again, your health and safety is of utmost importance, and we will evaluate and adjust as new information becomes available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Be Informed: COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

COVID-19 Symptoms

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Steps to Prevent Illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Be Informed: COVID-19 RESOURCES

Be Informed

Magnolia Regional Health Center
MSDH Mississippi Department of Health
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WHO World Health Organization

Protect yourself financially from the impact of the coronavirus

Substance Abuse and COVID-19

Live Another Day – A dual diagnosis recovery support resource for college students. This guide covers problem drinking and provides a curated list of multiple online support resources for students who are struggling.

The Summit Wellness Group – An in-depth overdose guide that includes a variety of prevention and advocacy resources, as well as drug-specific signs of an overdose.

Detox Local – More than 100 online addiction recovery resources to support and improve your state of mind during (and after) COVID-19.

Know the Facts

  • Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
  • People who have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or people who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread are at an increased risk of exposure.
  • Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
  • You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath.
  • There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.

Source: CDC

Be Proactive

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Source: CDC