With two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Garland County, a number of public facilities, including the Garland County Library and The Caring Place, announced Monday that they will close temporarily, and some events have been postponed.
"Following the advice of the Regional Health Unit Administrator, the Garland County Library will be closed to the public until at least March 30," a news release said, noting that library administrators will continue to monitor the situation and will update the library's website and social media pages as news is made available.
"All scheduled programs, public meetings, and community outreach will be canceled until at least March 30. The library's courier service will not be making deliveries and curbside pickup will not be available during this time," the release said.
"Due dates for all items will be extended until one week after the library reopens; items will be tentatively due on April 6 if the library reopens on March 30. Holds on materials will be suspended and any fines accrued by patrons during this time will be forgiven," it said.
The library's online resources are still available. Patrons can download free e-books and audiobooks with Libby, Overdrive's free mobile app. "Search for Libby in your phone's app store and use your library bar code to log in. Patrons can use Hoopla Digital to stream free movies and TV shows and to borrow e-books, audiobooks, music, and videos. Hoopla Digital also has a free app available through your app store," the release said.
Other resources available through the library's website include CreativeBug for step-by-step art and craft tutorials; Mango Languages for language learning; and NewsBank for access to local, regional, and national news publications.
All resources available through the library's website are free to use with a Garland County Library card. Garland and Saline County residents may apply for a free digital library card, or e-card, which provides access to online resources and offerings. E-card registration can be found at http://www.gclibrary.com/services.html.
The library staff will continue to offer limited assistance to patrons via phone, email and social media. Staff members will be available to take calls for account and technical support from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. at 623-4161. Email the library at [email protected] or direct message the library on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for questions.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors meeting that had been moved to Wednesday has been moved back to 7 p.m. today at City Hall after the cancellation of St. Patrick's Day festivities.
"Due to recent developments with the coronavirus and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, it is recommended that all nonessential guests watch the proceedings via the livestream at the City's YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/cityofhotsprings) or on City12 Resort TV, which will air live as well as at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday," a release said.
Ouachita Children, Youth, and Family Services is ceasing all volunteer activities and tangible good donations, as well as limiting family visitation for all of their programs at Ouachita Children's Center, Ouachita Youth Center, and Ouachita Family Center due to the concerns. The changes will be effective immediately, until further notice.
"All visitors to Ouachita Children's Center at 339 Charteroak St. will be screened before they will be allowed to enter the facility," OCC stated in an email.
"The priority of Ouachita Children, Youth, and Family Services continues to be the health and safety of our shelter residents and those we serve," it said, noting they are closely following CDC and Arkansas Department of Health guidelines regarding sanitation and personal hygiene for everyone in their programs, including staff.
For more information, call Ashley Thompson, resource development director, at 501-623-5591, ext. 223, or email [email protected].
The Caring Place, 101 Quapaw Ave., "is taking the precaution of closing for two weeks beginning (today)," Ann Carrithers, board chairman, said in an email Monday.
"After that time, the board of directors will reassess the situation with the coronavirus. The staff will be available for support to the caregivers who rely on the respite care provided by the trained professionals at The Caring Place," she said, noting "help can be found" by calling 623-2881 or by visiting http://www.thecaringplacehotsprings.com.
Janie Smith, executive director of Jackson House, 501 Malvern Ave., said it plans to continue providing lunches weekdays and Saturday from noon to 1 p.m., but asks patrons to "please stand 6 feet apart," and to "take your meals and go straight away," in an attempt to reduce potential exposure.
"Are you a senior citizen? Are you staying safe at home? If you do not have groceries, we are in partnership with Project HOPE Food Bank to deliver when possible," Smith said, noting those interested can call Jackson House at 623-4048 or visit http://www.jacksonhouse.org.
"Please be patient, we will return your calls," she said, noting anyone wanting to volunteer to deliver food to porches should also call. "If you want to volunteer we have many things we need help with," Smith said. "Donations are also appreciated as this may take several weeks to clear up."
The third annual Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival, which was set for March 28-29 at Hot Springs Central Theater, 1008 Central Ave., is being postponed, organizers said Monday.
"We have been following the CDC and other professional medical associations and are postponing the film festival due to the COVID-19 virus," a release said. "We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. You can get updates on our Facebook page. Be safe and take care."
The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce urged locals to "continue to support the local economy" as much as possible during the crisis.
"Small businesses operate on a narrow margin, and there are many ways to support our local small businesses without putting yourself or anyone else at risk," the Chamber said in an email Monday.
Suggestions included purchasing gift certificates to use at a later date, shopping online from local business' websites and promoting local companies on social media.
Hot Springs Elks Lodge 380 also closed Monday and plans to reopen April 7. All of its meetings and social functions are canceled, including the 20/20 Dinner and Officers Ball. Elks and Emblem Club installation will be held at a later date, a news release said.
Local on 03/17/2020