Coronavirus Kent: Medway libraries closed following Covid-19 outbreak
12:18, 24 March 2020
updated: 12:19, 24 March 2020
Libraries in Medway have been closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Towns' sites, including Strood, Chatham and Gillingham, have been shut immediately following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to put the country in lockdown.
It comes after a library worker expressed her anger and concern over how Medway Council had not closed libraries up until yesterday.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, said customers, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable, were still using branches.
She said staff had not been provided with protective clothing and they were bringing in their own wet wipes to clean equipment, including computers, used by members of the public.
"They were using the library as normal and were not social distancing," the anonymous woman said.
"We have homeless people who can spend all day in here. For a lot of people who don't have a computer at home, it is their only access to the internet.
"Medway Council is showing a total neglect and no concern for our staff and customers by insisting we stay open."
"We have staff who have health problems, two with cancer and another who has had a heart bypass.
"We have only been given the standard coronavirus advice and nothing specific to libraries.
"Medway Council is showing a total neglect and no concern for our staff and customers by insisting we stay open."
The council said in a statement workers had been provided with advice on social distancing.
But in the wake of Boris Johnson's address to the nation last night which introduced the most stringent measures in living memory to close down the country, the council confirmed the closure of all its library facilities.
Users can still access services online to renew books and access e-editions.
A council statement said: "We appreciate this may be disappointing news, but the health and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority.
"Library members can still borrow a vast range of books, audio books and magazines through their online library account. This service also allows customers to renew their library books.
"We have robust business continuity plans in place to ensure we can continue to support the most vulnerable members of our community, as well as support our residents with critical day-to-day services.
"We will continue to follow government advice and work with Public Health England to do everything we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19."
The council has told people they can access library books through the Spydus Mobile app, which allows them to check out books or reserve them.
The local authority has been asked specifically about what will happen for customers who want to have a hard copy of books, audio books and other items.
