Towson Library Closed After Employee Gets Coronavirus

Elizabeth Janney
Updated ·2 min read

TOWSON, MD — Employees at two branches of the Baltimore County Public Library have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to library officials. As a result, the Towson and Essex branches will be closed through Friday, Oct. 16.

The buildings and book drops in Towson and Essex will be shut down for deep cleaning, officials said.

Staff who worked with the infected employees are being notified through contact tracing efforts and advised to self-quarantine, according to authorities. The workers did not have contact with staff members of other branches, officials said.

Curbside services will continue at all branches other than Towson and Essex. Pickup is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

Since March, branches of Baltimore County Public Library have been closed to the public. They have been offering curbside service only. Staffers on the premises have been wearing masks; cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day; staying 6 feet apart; and washing hands regularly, according to a statement from the library.

Those who have the virus may experience the following mild to severe symptoms between two and 14 days of exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Baltimore County has 18,792 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Friday, Oct. 9, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

Those who have concerns about possible exposure or who have symptoms of the coronavirus are encouraged to get tested. Here is a list of free Baltimore County coronavirus testing sites.

To prevent the coronavirus, the Baltimore County Health Department recommends the following:

  • Wash hands often.

  • Get tested immediately if exposure is suspected or symptoms are present.

  • Wear face coverings outside when 6 feet of distance is not possible between people.

Baltimore County has required people 2 and older to wear face coverings while inside public spaces since July.

This article originally appeared on the Towson Patch