May 26, 2021
Dear Yakima Valley Libraries Patrons:
As many of you are likely aware, on May 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new COVID-19 guidelines, which included loosened mask recommendations for fully-vaccinated individuals.
For those of you who are wondering how, or if, the CDC’s updates will affect YVL’s health and safety measures, the short answer is this: for the time-being Yakima Valley Libraries is still requiring patrons and staff to wear masks or face coverings, regardless of vaccination status.
Our decision to continue requiring masks/face coverings was made, in part, based on the following considerations:
- Although the CDC’s May 16 update lifted some masking recommendations for fully vaccinated people, the update notes that the new masking guidelines apply in situations “except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.”
- Consequently, Yakima Valley Libraries’ ongoing mask/face covering requirement is in alignment with Gov. Jay Inslee’s latest COVID-19 Requirements for Library Services, issued on May 19, 2021, which states: “libraries must require customers to wear a face covering at all times while present within the facility.”
- In addition, because Yakima Valley Libraries is committed to providing equitable services to our patrons, the continued mask requirement also ensures that patrons under 12 years old—who are not yet able to be vaccinated—can continue to safely utilize in-person library services.
Remember: fully vaccinated patrons who prefer not to, or are unable to, wear a mask or face covering in order to visit the library in-person are encouraged to take advantage of our contact-free pick up service and our many digital resources.
Finally, as Washington State moves toward fully reopening on June 30, 2021, we will keep the public informed about any additional revisions or updates to available library services, and/or to our health and safety measures.
Sincerely,
Yakima Valley Libraries