Updated 8/4/21
On July 26, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department updated their masking guidelines to recommend all residents wear facial coverings when in indoor public settings where the vaccination status of those around you is unknown. Per this update, TPL is continuing to require masking while visiting.
Updated 7/7/21
The latest guidance from the CDC , opens a new windowhas loosened mask recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals and Washington State is fully “reopening.” We are excited by this update and encouraged that vaccination rates are climbing and infection rates are going down, but we are still requiring all visitors to Tacoma Public Library locations to wear a mask, including those fully vaccinated. Here’s why:
- Fully vaccinated rates throughout our service area average 44%
- The guidance from the governor and the CDC does not apply to health care settings, homeless shelters, or schools, and the federal order requiring masks on public transportation remains in place. Because youth under the age of 12 and other vulnerable populations use libraries regularly, the service population of libraries is more akin to hospitals, schools, homeless shelters, and public transportation than it is to retail shops and restaurants
- We want our libraries to be welcoming, open, and accessible to everyone –all patrons can help us accomplish this by continuing to wear masks
Continuing to mask up ensures that our libraries can be safe, welcoming, and accessible places for every community member.
We can’t wait to see you and serve your needs! We thank you in advance for doing your part to help us keep our communities safe.
