COVID-19 Resources – Pickerington Public Library

The Pickerington Public Library strives to provide information and vital resources that meet the needs of its citizens. Dedicated to providing up-to-date and accurate information to customers, we have compiled a list of materials to help navigate the pandemic.

COVID-19: What now?

Have immediate questions or need help?
If it’s an emergency or you’re having trouble breathing, call 911 or visit the nearest urgent care. For all other concerns, the Ohio Department of Health has set up a call center to address questions regarding COVID-19. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

What are the current health orders?
STATE: Ohio Department of Health or Governor’s websites.
FAIRFIELD: Fairfield Department of Health
PLSD: Pickerington Local Schools COVID -19 Information

What is COVID-19 and related symptoms? How can you stay healthy?
Take a look at this fact sheet, provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit the CDC website for a breakdown of symptoms including:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches

For best practices in prevention, worksheets, tips, and preparation, visit the Ohio Department of Health website.

What do I need to know about the Vaccines?
You can learn about COVID-19 Vaccination options on the CDC website.
Information about Ohio and local efforts including vaccine facts, locations, processes, availability and qualifications, can be found through the Ohio Department of Health.

If you or someone in your household is experiencing symptoms:
Use the CDC’s interactive self-check to help determine next steps:

Should I go to work? Guidance for employees and employers.
*Check employer policies.
Should I send my kids to school? CDC guidance for parents
*Check local school district policies.
Should I travel? Ohio Department of Health guidance and travel advisories.
Should I cancel all my plans or go out in public at all? CDC guidance when to be around others.
Should everyone in the household stay home? CDC guidance on household isolation.
When and how should I quarantine? CDC guidance for quarantine and self-isolation.

Where and when should I get tested?
The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention recommends quarantining and getting tests as soon as you experience the following: COVID symptoms, possible direct contact with someone that has COVID-19, or you have been contacted by state or health officials. The Ohio Health Department has created an interactive map to help citizens identify and access nearby testing locations and learn about different testing options.

In Ohio, there are several options to get tested:

Popup Testing: Free, no appointment, same-day drive-through tests available at various scheduled locations throughout the week and weekend.
Business Partnerships: Free or insurance-related drive-through testing by appointment at several businesses in Ohio including CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, and Walmart.
Central Ohio Community Testing: Free same-day testing by appointment during the week.
Private Providers: Call your regular healthcare provider to set a tele-appointment and receive a prescription for in-network testing. For instance, if you have a physician’s order, you may use Fairfield Medical Center’s drive-through testing without an appointment Monday – Saturday (costs associated that may be covered either by in-network insurance or out of pocket payments).

Still can’t find accessible testing? Fill out the Department of Health’s online form.

What if I or someone I live with tested positive?

COVID-19 RESOURCE LIST

What are we doing Federally? Get information about federal response, regulations, relief programs, stimulus payments and more, including how it applies to you (or if you qualify for assistance) on the Coronavirus Taskforce site or U.S. website

If you’re looking for information regarding support for qualifying homeowners and renters, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Local:

The State of Ohio:

- Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine: COVID-19 updates & mandate information
- Ohio Hospital Association: COIV-19 Hospitalizations dashboard
- Ohio Department of Health: COVID-19 Dashboard, resources, guidance, and latest developments.
- Economic Resources for individuals and families: Access to support for unemployment, finances, insurance coverage, nonprofits, grants, food, meals, funding, housing, and more.
- Ohio Medicaid: Access to health insurance and emergency coverage through the Ohio Department of MediCaid.
- Ohio Assitance Programs: Access cash assistance programs including Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), work/job help, childcare assistance, food stamps, housing vouchers and other short and long term support programs.
- Ohio Unemployment: Access Ohio Unemployment benefits, Shared Work Ohio Programs, applications and information.
- Business Support: Learn more about Ohio’s efforts, resources, relief programs, funds and grants for non-profit and for-profit businesses through the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Ohio’s Development Services Agency Small Business Relief Office.
- Home Energy Assistance Program: Get more information, review benefits, or start your application for this federal and state-run program that helps eligible individuals with home energy bills.
- Ohio Housing Assitance Agency: Discover how Ohio can support homeowners, renters, and those in need of housing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

World Health Organization:

General information and world-wide tracker
Advice for the public (includes videos)

News and Other Websites:

Pickerington Times-Sun
The Columbus Dispatch: Coronavirus Updates — (temporarily offered for free) or use your library card to access for free anytime on Newsbank.
New York Times: Latest News and Updates; Daily Coronavirus Briefing — use your library card to access the New York Times for free.
AP News: Understanding the Outbreak
Comics for Good: Comic Series on COVID-19

For parents/guardians:

Ohio Department of Health Parent & Family Resources: At-home schooling, meals, checklists, tops, pregnancy, protecting children, outdoor activities, and more.
NPR: Just for Kids – A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
Germ Smart Kids: How to Wash Your Hands (Video)
CDC: Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes (Video)
Brain Pop: What’s Coronavirus? (Video)

At the Library

What is Pickerington Public Library doing in response to the Coronavirus?
In response to Governor DeWine’s mandates, the Pickerington Public Library Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team have adopted a phased plan based on county levels or colors. Beginning Dec. 14, Pickerington Public Library is open with limited services. The library continues to provide virtual programming and services including curbside pickup, locker holds, returns, homework, and tech help, among other accommodations.

Can I visit the library?
Beginning Dec. 14, Pickerington Public Library is open with limited services. The library continues to provide virtual programming and services including curbside pickup, locker holds, returns, homework and tech help, among other accommodations.

What if you can’t come to the library?
If you have a library card, you can access the library’s 24/7 e-branch for free anytime, anywhere. The library’s e-branch has many digital services available, such as e-books and audiobooks, streaming television and movies, and digital access to magazines and news publications. If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, the library does have a limited number of hotspots available for checkout. Our Wi-Fi is also available for free use in our parking lots. If you don’t remember your library card number or pin, email pplrefstaff@pickeringtonlibrary.org. If you don’t have a library card, the library has made expedited online library card sign up available. If you have a question related to digital services, software or technology, reach out to our tech trainers.