We at HMS and HU have taken drastic measures for the public good. Business is not as usual. This time will be known as the most challenging of all in our careers.
COVID-19 Preparedness began in early March with HMS directives limiting travel; then access to the Countway building being limited to HUID only with all staff working in the building; and construction continued; then the move was scheduled, some staff would remain in the building as construction would continue; the staff moved, most staff were told to work remotely and the admin team prepared to wait it out. Then the Mayor ordered the halt to all construction in Boston, the Countway Library project was paused and the admin team left the empty building on March 17th and now all Countway Library personnel are working remotely.
While the building may be closed, many of our services are up and running so that we can continue to support research, teaching, instruction, learning, scholarship, access information, and history of medicine services. The building may be closed but the Library is open.
Throughout the month, things were evolving. The Governor ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses and issued a stay at home advisory. We were and still are practicing social distancing by working at home, de-densifying the campus, and limiting access to certain individuals and buildings.
We have moved to remote work. Now is the time to move beyond social distancing to social honoring. What is social honoring? It is staying together or connected while we are apart or alone. It is taking care of others and each other as the weeks and months go by. I recognize this is difficult. Some of you are living alone. Some of you are juggling work and home child care. Some of you are navigating work and now being your child’s teacher. Some of you had roommates or partners or family members laid off. Some of you are taking care of elders, or the sick. It is time for us all to think about ways we can help each other during this difficult time. I am pleased that Countway is leading the way in social honoring efforts. Our Library Emergency Management Team is transitioning away from preparedness and social distancing to social honoring.
These are difficult times, but I am so proud of the Countway Library team. The library is operational in new and exciting ways. In the times ahead, we continue to work together to remain connected, to practice social honoring, and continue to show our community that Countway Cares.
Elaine