BY KAREN BOSSICK

Blaine County’s mandatory isolation order is taking its effect on some services. But other services are stepping up in a world where the corona virus has shut down all signs of a normal life.

The Community Library has suspended curbside book service after four days because of the shelter-in-place order.

The library responded to more than a hundred requests for books, DVDs, even a guitar, to be checked out and placed in front of the library for pick-up over those four days.

But the library had to curb its curbside concierge service once the shelter-in-place order was given. Still,  staff are on hand to assist people getting a library card, which will open the door to thousands of books, films and sound recordings in digital formats.

Create an account by dialing up www.comlib.org/catalog and selecting “Create Account” in the right corner. Fill out the form online, click “Register,” then call 208-726-3493, extension 1, to receive the library card number over the phone or by email.

Check out the library’s digital resources at https://www.comlib.org/digital-services/

In other news:

• St. Luke’s Health Systems is partnering with Koenig Distillery, whose roots are in Sun Valley. The Caldwell distillery will make thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer using Idaho potato vodka alcohol.
• The city of McCall has asked visitors to stay away right now to avoid the community spread that took place in Sun Valley. And even the Aloha State has announced that anyone trying to escape the coronavirus on the mainland will have to self-quarantine for 14 days before getting near a pool or restaurant.
• Boise has closed its playgrounds as evidence increases that virus can survive on the surfaces of playground equipment for three days.
• Albertsons is open for senior citizens and other at-risk people, such as pregnant women, from 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Costco will be open for those over age 60 and those with physical disabilities from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Walmart is offering an hour-long senior shopping hour before the store opens on Tuesdays.
• Idaho Power and Intermountain Gas are offering assistance options for customers during the pandemic. Both have pledged not to disconnect service because of non-payments. Both will also waive late fees temporarily.
• If you want to order takeout, rejoice. Scientists say the reason the coronavirus is so deadly is because of jagged objects sticking out of its proteins that stab people’s lungs.

But experts have told CNN that even if you were to eat food that somehow contained the virus there are not many receptors in the digestive track for the virus to cling to. Consequently, you would not contract the illness by swallowing the virus.

So, if you’re getting take-out, pick it up with gloves. Remove it from its packaging, dispose of the packaging and put the food on a plate. After disposing of the gloves, wash or sanitize your hands. Bon appetit!