Effective immediately, all libraries, pools, arenas, museums, theatres, and galleries are to close across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
“The municipality continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, taking direction from Provincial and Federal public health officials,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“We want to do everything we possible can to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on Chatham-Kent.”
Municipal officials say effective immediately the following facilities will close for three weeks and they will reassess at that time and provide updates on a regular basis:
– All 11 branches of the Chatham-Kent Public Library
– All 10 Chatham-Kent arenas
– Blenheim Gable Rees Rotary Pool and Wallaceburg Sydenham Pool
– Chatham-Kent Museum and Ridge House Museum (Including Imagination Station and Discovery Den)
– The Capitol and Kiwanis theatres
– Thames Art Gallery and Art Space
During this time, library patrons and all other residents are encouraged to take advantage of digital library content at www.ckpl.ca/download. Here, you can:
– Download digital copies of your favorite magazines on Flipster and RB Digital!
– Watch movies and TV shows on Hoopl and Kanopy. Kanopy has provided unlimited viewing of content from Collective Eye Films, FilmRise, Samual Goldwyn, Films We Like, Media Education Foundation, and NYX for the next 30 days. Enjoy unlimited access to Kanopy Kids for the next month too, with quality educational content like Sesame Street, Arthur, and a language learning series.
– Read e-books and audio books using OverDrive (Libby) and cloudLibrary.
– Hoopla also has graphic novels, audiobooks and music.
– Kids can read e-books and audio books on TumbleBooks, where they’ll find animated talking picture books, read-alongs, graphic novels, games, puzzles and more.
“While the libraries are closed, follow us on social media where there are recommendations on great books and movies, helpful hints, and tutorials for accessing virtual materials,” Municipal officials stated.
“The library has lots of ideas for fun activities to do at home to help entertain the whole family. If you don’t have a library card yet don’t worry. You can apply for a virtual card – just visit www.ckpl.ca.”
Municipal officials say all Chatham-Kent residents are encouraged to practice social distancing:
– Keep at least one-metre distance between people
– Avoid shaking hands
– Stay away from crowded places – support our local businesses by trying to shop at less busy times and keeping a safe distance while you wait in line to check out (we all have to eat and take care of our basic needs), support our local restaurants by asking for take out meals over the next several weeks
– Be smart and pay attention – if it feels like there are too many people under one roof or in one room – readjust your plans
Municipal officials added take care of yourself, your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to prevent the spread of infections.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
– Cover your cough in your sleeve.
– Now and in any cold and flu season, stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
Municipal officials are encouraging people to continue to monitor the municipal website for updates.
