Greetings!
Our community's health and safety is our highest priority.
As the number of cases of the Coronavirus are rapidly increasing throughout the U.S, we have been tracking information from the CDC and public health authorities regarding its spread.
We are a community that shares communal space and comprises people of all ages; we must be vigilant in order to keep ourselves healthy and
protect those who are vulnerable in our midst.
For the safety of our congregants and our staff, we will be taking the following precautions:
Wash Hands Thoroughly
The CDC shares the following five steps:
Wet
your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather
your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub
your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse
your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry
your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
At Beth Emet we have placed garbage cans inside the bathrooms by the door for those who prefer to use a paper towel when opening the door.
Protect Others in Public Spaces: Cover Sneezes and Coughs
Use a disposable tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and throw out the tissue afterwards. If you don't have a tissue or paper towel handy, turn your head and sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
Wash your hands after a sneeze or cough!
If you do not feel well, please do not come to Beth Emet. Please note, you can hear the worship services in the Sanctuary by dialing the main number and press “7.”
Get your flu shot
If you haven’t had the flu shot, it’s not too late to get one. You can get one at most pharmacies or at your doctor’s office.
Take Food Safety Seriously
We love to share food as a community. Please do your part to prevent the spread of germs by always using a utensil (tongs, spoon, or serving fork) to serve yourself or others at an oneg, dinner, or other events. Use a fresh plate if you take a little more food. Use a new cup every time you pour a drink, and do not share cups or eating utensils. Don't share cookies or bagels by breaking in half with your hands. Please use a knife.
Refrain from physical contact
We like being a warm and friendly community, but during this time of heightened concern about contagion, please limit your physical contact with other people. The staff at Beth Emet will not be hugging or shaking hands until the Coronavirus is under control.
Should you have any questions or see something that we should be aware of, please do not hesitate to contact me. We continue to monitor the latest developments, and our Klei Kodesh and Officers are making contingency plans should the Coronavirus change our ability to operate in our usual ways.
W
e will be in touch should we learn anything that would change how we operate at Beth Emet. Below I have included some resources that may be helpful to you.
Wishing you good health, and don’t forget to wash your hands!!
L’Shalom,
Bekki Harris Kaplan
Executive Director
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Illinois Department of Public Health
