Prince William Closes Libraries To Prevent Coronavirus Spread

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Prince William County decided late Sunday to close its libraries beginning Monday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. The libraries will be closed until further notice, the library system said.

The county's decision to close its libraries followed similar announcements on Sunday by Farifax County and Loudoun County. Prince William County has 11 library branches across the county, although its Central Library in the Manassas was already shut down earlier this year for renovations.

The Fairfax County Public Library system decided Sunday afternoon to close its libraries for two weeks due to the novel coronavirus threat facing the state. Later Sunday, Loudoun County also announced plans to close its libraries starting Monday "to help reduce the spread of the new coronavirus." Loudoun County said it plans to implement curbside pickup service at all 10 county library branches later in the week.

Up until Sunday night, the Prince William County Public Library system had not changed its library hours, although the system had canceled all programs and closed all study, tutor and community rooms in library branches until further notice.

On Friday, Prince William County, Manassas City Public Schools and Manassas Park City Schools announced they would be closed through at least April 13 due to the growing health concerns caused by the coronavirus.

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Prince William County made its decision to close libraries on the same day that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a statewide ban on all public events of more than 100 people in response to the coronavirus. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday recommended that no gatherings with 50 people or more take place for the next eight weeks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On Sunday, the Virginia Department of Health increased the number of confirmed coronavirus cases to 45 from the 41 cases reported Saturday. One new case was reported in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Prince William County and Virginia Beach, according to the health department. Prince William County now has a total of three confirmed coronavirus cases.

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