QPL mask mandate remains intact for reopening

Queens Public Library patrons and staff will need to wear their masks while inside the library regardless of vaccination status. Photo courtesy of Jeff Simmons

By Rachel Vick

Queens Public Library began its next phase of reopening July 6, on schedule but with an adjusted mask policy as the  COVID-19 Delta variant spreads.

Patrons both vaccinated and unvaccinated will have to wear their masks while inside the facilities, QPL announced Tuesday.

The decision comes after a review of  the city’s guidelines for reopening and “the rapidly evolving public health landscape,” according to a spokesperson.

COVID capacity restrictions and distancing requirements will be lifted, unlimited browsing and sitting will be available at all open locations and computer time limits returning to an hour will be reinstated as planned.

“We have made many strides since COVID-19 forced the temporary closure of our buildings to the public 15 months ago, and as the public health situation shifted during that period, so did we, putting the safety of our customers and staff above all else,” QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott said ahead of the planned opening. “In light of the progress we… have worked so hard to achieve, we can now finally lift many of our restrictions for staff and the public.”

The Delta variant was tracked last week as the second most common strain in the city at 17 percent and on the rise, according to city data from last week. 

Health officials, including Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi, continued to emphasize that while the Delta strain is aggressive, the vaccines have been shown to protect against infection.

“That's why you've heard the emphasis from us both today, as well as in previous weeks, that the single most important thing that we can do to protect individuals as well as for the city as a whole is to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible,” Chokshi said during the Mayor’s briefing on Tuesday.