Many libraries and library systems (including OCPL) are following the REALM Project’s study for guidance on how long the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains active on library materials.
The materials studied in Test 1 had been virus free after 3 days (72 hours), and that result had led to OCPL’s decision to reduce the period we quarantine returns from 7 days to 3 a few weeks ago.
Unfortunately, Test 2 found that some other materials weren’t virus free until 4 days (96 hours) had passed, so we are now going to have to quarantine returns for 4 days.
This change may result in extra waiting time for holds on some popular titles. We apologize for any increased delays along these lines.
However, there should still not be any late fines for material that is returned to our book return on time: we will back date returns to the actual date of return when we check them in after the 4-day quarantine. As always, if we make a mistake and you do get assessed a late fine for material that you returned on time, give us a call so we can correct our error.
Image: Modification of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Credit: Alissa Eckert, Dan Higgins (both with CDC)
License: Public domain