HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0004) IR 21-10639 - Community Centers.Libraries COVID-19 Response (2)INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 21-10639
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
August 24, 2021
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SUBJECT: COMMUNITY CENTERS AND LIBRARIES COVID-19 RESPONSE
This report provides an overview of how the Park & Recreation (PARD) and Neighborhood
Services (NSD) community centers, and the Fort Worth Public Library, are responding to
the current surge in coronavirus cases. The increase is due to the more contagious Delta
variant of COVID-19.
Under Governor Abbott's Executive Order No. GA-38, Fort Worth is barred from requiring
masks for in -person programs, including after school programs in community centers and
libraries. Despite the order, City staff remains vigilant with rigorous cleaning protocol and
enforcement of proper hygiene practices for staff and program participants. In addition, the
following activities are occurring at all facilities:
• Mask wearing by staff and the public is being encouraged
• Masks are provided to the public if they want one
• Plexiglas barriers are in areas with high public interaction
• Signage encouraging social distancing have been refreshed
• Staff is providing vaccination education and encouraging patrons to sign up at kiosk
• Temperature scanners were re -deployed to PARD and NSD community centers on
August 20, 2021
In the libraries, virtual programming continues for youth of all ages, including story times,
STEM programs, author visits, maker and craft programs, book clubs, and more. All in -
person library programs will be held outdoors through August 31, 2021. Indoor, in -person
programming is scheduled to begin in September. Staff engaging with youth during story
time will wear special see -through masks that allow for more clear communication.
Our goal is to provide a safe environment for our patrons, especially our children and young
adults. To do so, staff will continue to monitor best practices for public program providers
and adjust procedures as necessary.
If you have questions about this information, please contact:
o Manya Shorr, Director, Fort Worth Public Library (817-392-7707)
o Victor Turner, Director, Neighborhood Services (817-392-8187)
o Richard Zavala, Director, Park & Recreation (817-392-5711)
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS