Bridgewater Public Library to Close Friday After Two Employees Report COVID-19 Symptoms

Library to Be Closed Out of an Abundance of Caution

BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton, Health Agent Eric Badger and Library Director Jed Phillips announce that the Bridgewater Public Library will be closed on Friday, Sept. 25, after two employees reported symptoms possibly related to COVID-19.

Town officials were notified today of the two employees who developed cold-like symptoms.

The library building is currently closed to the public and offers contact free curbside pickup. Out of an abundance of caution, however, the library will be closed from Friday through Monday while the facility is being sanitized and disinfected and in an effort to proactively mitigate the risk of exposure to the virus.

The library is currently closed on weekends and an announcement will be made if it will be reopened next week.

The two employees are in the process of receiving COVID-19 testing and are awaiting their results. Both are being supported and monitored according to public health guidelines. The town will take the proper actions when the test results are received. Under state and federal privacy laws no further information is available about the individuals.

“After careful consideration, we have determined that closing the library tomorrow is a necessary precaution we must take,” Town Manager Dutton said. “During this closure we will conduct thorough cleanings of all surfaces and areas within the facility. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience at this time.”

The Town’s facilities staff will work to thoroughly sanitize and disinfect the library with Environmental Protection Agency approved disinfectant, soap and water for the removal of microorganisms.

Bridgewater town officials also wish to share the following COVID-19 prevention tips with residents:

• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Regularly clean frequently touched items and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipes. 
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid close contact with others. 
• Continue social distancing and maintaining six feet from others who do not live in your household. Residents are advised to stay home as much as they can, even if they do not have symptoms, and practice social distancing if you must go out. COVID-19 can be spread up to 48 hours before an individual exhibits symptoms. 
  • Call, FaceTime or online chat with friends and family instead of visiting them in person where possible.
  • Stay home as much as you can.
  • Those who must go out are reminded not to gather in groups, maintain six feet of distance and do not shake hands or hug. 
• Wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible in outdoor public spaces, and in all indoor public spaces and the entryways and hallways of private residential buildings.
  • Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order this May requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible, applicable in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Children under the age of two and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition are exempt. Click here to read the full guidance on this order from the Department of Public Health.

For more guidance regarding COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website by clicking here.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

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