With so much information available about COVID-19 on the news and social media, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Who is reliable, and what information is factual?
As your trusted research and information professionals, we are here to put your mind at ease.
Updated 5/26/22 at 9:45 a.m.
Librarians love research - it is at the heart of what we do. Since early 2020, we have provided our customers and readers with the best, most current information regarding the COVID-19 virus and vaccines. We are all in this together - and by helping to separate reality from fiction, we are doing our best to quell rumors and present accurate, factual research regarding the pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccines.
We realize you may have questions, and we are here to provide the most up-to-date information we can. We have continued to adapt to meet the needs of our community, and that includes providing you with everything from scientific research to career help to sharing our personal stories.
We will be keeping this page updated to help you stay informed with accurate, scientific information so you can #RelyOnReal and combat misinformation about COVID-19 and the vaccines that have been developed to fight its spread.
Have questions about resources? You can ask a librarian, call us, or send us a text message at 803-667-4242 (message and data rates apply).
Fact vs Fiction - How do I know who to trust?
Peer-reviewed, scientific research remains the best source of trust-worthy information regarding the Covid-19 virus and vaccines. The following resources are just a few of the websites can be trusted for up-to-date, timely guidance and facts.
For more resources, consider this list from DHEC for further information. For more help evaluating sources, look at this checklist from the CDC.
You have questions - and we have answers!
Is the vaccine safe for kids?
Now that children ages 5-11 are able to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, some of you may have questions about the safety of the vaccine.
We've compiled this research from credible sources about kids and potential cardiac issues regarding the COVID-19 vaccine - plus, you can check out this advice from the Surgeon General.
I'm traveling. Do I need to get tested for COVID-19?
The different requirements for traveling domestically or internationally can be confusing - especially during the pandemic - but this comprehensive guide about COVID-19 testing and travel will put your mind at ease. There, you will find links to guidelines for public transit, air travel, cruise ships, and more.
A lot of the daily information regarding COVID-19 comes from SC DHEC (South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control), but you may be wondering exactly what this agency does and why they exist in the first place. This post explains their history and how they serve the state of South Carolina.
DHEC's mission and other ways in which they support the Midlands and beyond can be found here.
What about vaccine mandates for federal employees?
We have the official guidelines in an easy-to-read format, explaining to whom the vaccine mandate applies.
Should I trust influencers and content creators about the vaccine?
It may be difficult to discern the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to social media influencers and content creators. There is so much information out there - from podcasts to social media to memes - and it can certainly get confusing!
We've gone through some of the latest trending sound bites from Spotify and YouTube to help you sort out the truth from the distortions. In the meantime, you can always rely on local, state, and national resources.
What exactly is the CDC? What is its purpose?
You may be wondering what the Centers for Disease for Control and Prevention (CDC) does or even why it even exists.
Here's a history of the CDC we've compiled that explains its origins and what its mission is today. You can read here about why the CDC is located in Atlanta (hint: it has to do with mosquitoes!).
How do I know if what I read is true?
How can you tell if something you read online is real or fake? Is it true or false, or maybe it's satire?
Fortunately, we've put together this guide to help you when you're reading the news - and if you're still not sure, then try the Google Fact Check Explorer to help you spot fake information.
Someone in my family got COVID-19 - how do we quarantine?
There are new recommendations for quarantining since the pandemic began two years ago, but you may still have questions about how to quarantine in a multi-person household.
I need to take a COVID-19 test, but I don't know the difference between them all - help!
There are some big differences between the COVID-19 tests we currently have available to us.
We've broken down the main differences between COVID-19 tests in this handy guide!
How do I talk to my kids about COVID-19?
Children are notorious for having curious minds, but it can be difficult to answer their questions about COVID-19 while we are all still navigating the frequent changes in our world.
Here are some excellent tips on how to talk to your kids about COVID-19 from the perspective of a mother (and Richland Library staff member!).
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) currently impacting the U.S., we've compiled a list of resources and information to help you and your family stay informed. For additional COVID-19 resources and information, click here.
For general COVID information via phone, call:
DHEC Care Line (General COVID Information) 855-472-3432