State COVID Information Update and Quarantine Survey

New Executive Order and Moving Maine Forward Plan
On March 5, Governor Mills issued a new Executive Order<https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/sites/maine.gov.governor.mills/files/inline-files/EO%2093%2035.pdf> outlining changes to guidance on travel, gathering and building occupancy limits. While not all issues are resolved or all answers clear, I expect to have confirmation of whether guidance in the Public and Community Building Checklist<https://www.maine.gov/decd/checklists/public-and-community-buildings> updated on March 5, 2021 is accurate by next Tuesday for the Statewide Zoom meeting.
I have asked for language to be modified or for DECD and Maine CDC provide clarification based upon the March 11 Maine CDC Briefing where new guidance on cleaning protocols and updates to checklists were discussed. Thanks to those on the Public Library Directors listserv for highlighting the Information (Holly, Jon, Julie). Link to the briefing segment<https://youtu.be/kAXOTU3FqM0?t=2963> on YouTube.
Here is the latest information I can provide on the Gathering and Building Occupancy Limits
From DECD: "These new capacity limits begin on March 26th and is a percentage of capacity based on what the capacity of your building is and the ability to maintain 6 foot distancing."
Current interpretation from MSL: The ability to maintain 6 foot distancing is primary. Your Fire Marshall or Town/City can help you determine building capacity or room capacity if needed.  The 5 people per 1000 square feet guidance remains in effect as long as that is what is needed to ensure the 6 foot distancing.  Do your due diligence and reassess your space and work with local officials if you have questions or concerns. Thanks again to others who provided their thoughts on this matter.
Quarantine of Interlibrary Loan/Library Materials
The Maine State Library asks that you all complete a second survey about reducing quarantine time to 24 hours.  Please respond by Friday, March 19 at noon so data can be shared at the meeting next Tuesday.
Quarantine Time Frame Feedback Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MaineQuarantineMarch
There is a nicely done article in Nature (January 29, 2021) that provides an overview around cleaning and also mentions the growing discussion around lab testing and fomites and books, COVID-19 rarely spreads through surfaces. So why are we still deep cleaning?<https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00251-4>

Statewide meeting next Tuesday

MSL-Continuing the Coronavirus Conversation
Time: March 23, 2021, 3:15 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/98557471194?pwd=cWp3SDlKS256cHIxVTlJb3FRSFhFQT09

Meeting ID: 985 5747 1194

Stay well all,
Janet


Janet McKenney
Director, Library Development
Maine State Library
SHS 64
230 State Street
Augusta, ME 04333

207-287-5603
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@janetmckenney (Twitter)