It seems like only yesterday that Washington was celebrating fully reopening businesses and agencies across the state. As of July 28, 2021, the CDC is offering new Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. This includes a recommendation that fully vaccinated persons wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission, of which Columbia County is one. The CDC also reported that as of July 26, 2021, 6,587 cases of “breakthrough” cases of COVID-19 resulted in hospitalization or death across the U.S.A. At a press conference on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee asked Washingtonians to wear masks when indoors regardless of vaccination status.

In response, beginning Monday, August 2, 2021, CCRLD will be requiring all staff, patrons, vendors, and visitors to wear a mask in the library. We will also resume offering curbside service for those patrons unwilling or unable to wear a mask. Masks are also required for all events in the Delany building. The kitchen is closed and no food is permitted, though bottled water and similar containers are allowed.