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Dear Friends and Congregants,
Island Synagogue is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for worship, learning and community. With the Omicron wave of COVID setting records in cases and hospitalizations, we have re-evaluated the latest health guidance. The board of Island Synagogue has approved the following:
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Cloth Masks are NOT adequate for required masking. Masking going forward should be limited to triple-layer disposable surgical masks, N95s, or approved KN95s. Masks should be worn in a manner that maintains consistent snug coverage of both the nose and mouth. Feel free to take one of Island Synagogue’s generous supply of surgical masks for use while in the building. For further information see https://publichealthinsider.com/2021/12/21/up-your-mask-game-omicron-is-here/.
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If someone is experiencing upper respiratory symptoms or flu-like aching or fever they should not come to the synagogue. Omicron presents symptoms differently from prior variants. Often there is no loss of smell or taste. Sometimes the primary symptoms are not upper respiratory but rather “flu-like” muscular aches.
- Kiddushes will remain temporarily on hold.
- Vaccination with boosters is encouraged.
- No further change from our current existing policy.
Thank you all for your understanding and support. Other local congregations have already made similar changes. It is only through your individual commitment to our collective health that we can continue to operate in these difficult pandemic conditions. We welcome all well congregants to join us, and we pray that Hashem should soon remove this plague from our community.
Jon Newman, President
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