Covid19 - Calcasieu Parish Public Library

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EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND CDC GUIDELINES

There is no executive order in place in Louisiana. Here's a link to the CDC’s recommendations on how to prevent getting sick.

All library facilities continue to be sanitized per CDC guidelines for the public’s safety.
We're following CDC guidelines, as well as procedures from the Police Jury on how to keep our community members safe.
Guidelines include the installation of sneeze guards at all service desks, the use of EPA-registered household disinfectants to clean all surfaces, rearrangement of library furniture to allow for appropriate space for proper social distancing, outside seating where possible, the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays for electronics.

LIBRARY SERVICES

All donations are being accepted by Friends of the Library at two locations.
- Central Branch
  - Tuesdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
  - Sundays from 2 PM - 4 PM
- Westlake Branch
  - Thursdays between 12 PM - 4 PM
  - If book sale staff is limited on that day, donations will not be accepted. Contact the Westlake Library ahead of time. (337-721-7113)
- The Calcasieu Parish Public Library is not accepting book donations at this time.
Public computers use sessions vary from either 1 hour or 2 hours, with a daily limit of 2 sessions.
Curbside service is available.
Free Wi-Fi is available outside the public library buildings.
Feel free to contact your local library branch, complete this webform, or use our Live Chat service with any questions.

Vaccine Info
- Details
  - LA Dept. of Health Hotline: - 1-855-4530774
    - Mon. - Sat.: 8a - 8p and Sun: 12p - 8p
  - COVID-19 Vaccination Information
    - Where can I get vaccinated?
  - Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you
    - https://www.vaccines.gov/ or https://www.vacunas.gov/
    - Text your zip code to getvac
  Testing
  - Do I need a COVID-19 test?
  - LA 211- Statewide Network
    - Residents with questions about testing services should call 211.
    - Call 211 - text LACOVID to 898-211 - visit LA211Help.org
Local, State, and US Contacts
- Details
  COVID Defense App -
  - LA 211- Statewide Network
    - Call 211, text LACOVID to 898-211, or visit LA211Help.org
    - Receive text notifications from the Governor’s Office pertaining to COVID-19 by texting 'LAGOV' to 67283. Text your zip code to getvac to find a location to get vaccinated. Vaccine hotline - 1-855-453-0774 (8a - 8p - Monday through Saturday and 12p - 8p - Sunday) Sign up for phone calls by going to Smart911.
  - Louisiana Coronavirus Information - LA Dept. of Health
    - View map by location, race, underlying conditions, etc.
  - COVID-19 Crisis hotline - ask questions at 1-866-310-7977
  - General info line - 1-855-523-2652 (8 am – 4:30 pm Monday - Friday).
  - Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness - 337-721-3800.
  - Calcasieu Parish Police Jury News
  - 24/7 Disaster Distress Hotline
    - 1-800-985-5990; text "TalkWithUs" to 66746; TTY number 1-800-846-8517
  STATE
  - Office of the Governor - COVID Info
  - Louisiana Department of Health: COVID 19 Info for Louisiana Residents
  UNITED STATES AND WORLD
  STATS AND CASES AT A GLANCE
SNAP, Licenses, & Other Needs
- Details
  - LA 211- Statewide Network
    - Call 211
    - Text LACOVID to 898-211
    - Visit LA211Help.org
  - SNAP and P-EBT (Pandemic EBT)
    - If you are not already a SNAP recipient and have a food need: Apply for benefits online or by mail/fax.
    - For more info, text GETSNAP (no spaces) to 898211
  - Visit the DCFS website at www.dcfs.la.gov/getSNAP
  - Email LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov
    - Call 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578) Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  - P-EBT Pandemic-EBT is available for students receiving free or reduced-price school meals
    - Details and application
Employment, Unemployment, SBA, etc.
- Resources
  - Louisiana Workforce Commission - unemployment benefits
    - If your workplace has temporarily closed, or you have been told to take unpaid time off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
    - To file a claim, visit LA Workforce Commission or call (888-783-5567).
  - Fraudulent unemployment claims: You can also call the Claims Center at 1-800-201-3362 or use the LA Fusion center reporting form then the link "Report Suspicious activity".
  Small Business Advice and Guidance
  - SWLA Economic Development - online resources available offering advice and guidance to business owners.
  U. S. Government Benefits
  - Find Coronavirus resources on Benefits.gov
  Employment Resources
  - LA Department of State Civil Service
  - Job Search Assistance
    - Available Sun. - Thurs.: 10 AM-Midnight; online job search, applications resumes, cover letters, interview preparations, and drop-off reviews.
  - Louisiana Job & Career Center (State Library of LA Job Search & Career Portal)

Reduce risk of getting sick
- Tips
  As a reminder, the best ways to reduce risk of getting sick, as with seasonal colds or the flu, still applies to prevent COVID-19:
  
  CDC Recommendations on how to protect yourself and others
  - Cover your mouth with a tissue or your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  - Discard used tissues immediately.
  - Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that is 60–90% alcohol-based.
  - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  - Practice social distancing. Try to keep an optimal six-foot distance from other people.
  - Stay home if you are not feeling well or experiencing flu-like symptoms.
  - Contact your doctor.
  - Vulnerable individuals, which is defined as 60+ years or who have health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and weakened immune systems, are recommended to limit outings, avoid large gatherings, telecommute, if possible, stay home if they are sick and avoid people who are sick.
  - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FAQ
  - Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
Children & COVID
- Resources
  - Keeping Children Healthy (CDC)
  - How to talk to your kids - LPB
  - Child Mind Institute
  - Kids Health - Nemours
  - First Aid for Feelings - Scholastic Workbook
  - Free eBook - Rainbows in Windows by Yum
  - I have a Question by Arlen Gaines & Meredith Polsky
  - Piggy & Bunny & Stay-at-home Plan by Holly S. Belgum, MD
  Proper privacy protection online
  - MyIDCare's Privacy Protection and COVID-19: Teach Your Kids Safe "Distancing" on the Internet
Minorities & COVID
- Resources
  - Minority Health - CDC
  - Shining a light on the impact - AMA
  - Why racial and ethnic data on COVID-19's impact is badly needed - AMA
  - Who's hit hardest?
Seniors & COVID
- Browse

Test Kits are limited, and our supply depends entirely on our supply chain.

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health and Region Five's Office of Public Health to distribute free rapid COVID test kits.

NOTE: While supplies last, we will distribute free rapid COVID test kits at several of our libraries. Distribution libraries include Central, DeQuincy, Epps Express, Iowa, Hayes, Vinton Express, Sulphur Regional, Starks, and Westlake.

Patrons must call to make a curbside appointment at one of our participating branches to pick up a test kit.

Patrons must wear a mask for the curbside appointment, and there is a limit of two test kits per household.

Appointments are required.

Call one of these branches to schedule an appointment to pick up test kits.

Branch	Phone Number	Hours of Operation
Central	(337) 721-7116	Mon. - Thu.: 9a - 8p; Fri.: 9a - 6p; Sa.: 9a - 5p; Su.: 1p - 5p
DeQuincy	(337) 786-4213 or (337) 721-7087	Mon. - Fri.: 9a - 6p
Epps Express	(337) 721-7090	Mon. - Fri.: 9a - 5p
Hayes	(337) 622-3605 or (337) 721-7098	Mon. - Fri.: 10a - 6p
Iowa	(337) 721-7101	Mon. - Fri.: 9a - 6p
Vinton Express	(337) 721-7095	Mon. - Fri.: 9a - 5p
Starks	(337) 743-6560 or (337) 721-7107	Mon. & Fri.: 9a - 2p; Tu. & Thu.: 1p - 6p; Wed.: 9a - 6p
Sulphur Regional	(337) 721-7141	Mon. - Fri.: 9a - 6p; Sa.: 10a - 2p
Westlake	(337) 721-7113	Mon. - Fri.: 9a - 6p

update: June 7, 2023

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