Masks now required at Poplar Bluff library, Butler County courthouse

Poplar Bluff Municipal Library has followed in the footsteps of Butler County Courthouse and will now require face masks for all visitors to the building.

The announcement was made Monday morning by library officials.

“In order to help inhibit the spread of COVID-19, Poplar Bluff Municipal Library is requiring that all who enter the library wear masks. Masks are provided for those who do not have them,” according to a press release.

Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett issued an order Saturday that said, “all who seek entry to the courthouse must wear a mask while present until further order of the Court. Please observe signs and other directives as social distancing will be strictly enforced.”

Mask requirements are being set by each individual business, said Emily Goodin, Butler County Health Department administrator.

At least four courthouse employees have tested positive for COVID-19 as of the end of last week.

The county reported four new cases Sunday, bringing the total to 130.

The county saw approximately 32 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed from July 5-12.

Other cities in the region have also started issuing community-wide mask requirements.

Cape Girardeau county is now under an order which requires face coverings while in public as of 12:01 a.m. July 13. The order applies to anyone 9 years of age and older and includes businesses and public spaces.

The county has 167 active cases out of approximately 368 confirmed or probable cases. It has seen three deaths.

Butler County has reported two deaths due to COVID-19.

Cape Girardeau County has about 80,000 residents, to Butler County’s approximately 40,000 residents.

The library release also included a reminder that all returned items must go into the outside book return at the Kanell Branch and Main Street Library drop. Items are quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours.

“This quarantine is aligned with REALM guidelines. REALM is the REopemig Archives, Libraries, and Museum project,” library officials said. “REALM has been doing extensive testing for the life of COVID-19 on common library surfaces.”