Promoting children’s growth, learning and development through play

Response to COVID-19 (15th March 2020)

Knox and District Toy Library
Response to COVID-19 (15th March 2020)

As you will be aware COVID-19 has now been declared a pandemic. We recognise the need to play our part in slowing down the spread of the virus and protecting our community’s health.

The safety of our members, staff and volunteers is the utmost priority and we will carefully monitor the situation to ensure we are mitigating risk.

The Knox Toy Library Committee, alongside our Toy Library Manager and coordinator, has been involved in discussion about our response. This group is looking at what we need to do to prepare and if necessary, recover from the situation. That work is largely informed by the development of a policy released through Toy Libraries Australia, our peak body.

We request that if you’re experiencing any cold/flu-type symptoms please DO NOT attend the toy library.

Also, if you have travelled overseas to affected areas or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, please allow 14 days before visiting the toy library.

If you are self-isolating or if you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 please email us at info@knoxtoylibrary.org.au or phone 0424 265 790 to arrange an extension on toys.

Should we need to close the toy library as directed by the government or due to staff / volunteers being unwell we can assure you that late fines will not be accrued over this time and if the closure is significant, then all memberships will be extended. Toys will not need to be returned until the toy library reopens.

While you continue to borrow – which we encourage you to do – here are some steps recommended by health authorities to reduce your risk of coronavirus

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, or shaking hands with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of used tissues immediately.
• Stay at home if you feel sick.

Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will advise you what to do.

We will now have hand sanitizer which we encourage you to use on arrival at the Knox Toy Library.

We will also wipe down all main surfaces of the Knox Toy Library at the start and end of each session.

As always, please continue to ensure your toys are cleaned on borrowing and then returning.

For tips in cleaning toys please visit Toy Library’s Australia website.

For more information on the Australian Government response, or for information in Chinese, Farsi, Korean or Italian, please visit the Department of Health website.

If you have any questions, please contact us on info@knoxtoylibrary.org.au or phone 0424 265 790.