COVID-19 Update
March 6, 2020
Dear Friends,

Our TIC response team continues to be in frequent communication, monitoring the quickly evolving situation with regard to COVID-19.  We know that this is a challenging time for everyone, amidst uncertainty and an increased sense of vulnerability. Please know that we continue to monitor the situation with careful thought and with the best interest of our community at heart.

Updates
  • The virus continues to spread through the community, and given the interconnected nature of the community, we want to be transparent and prudent in sharing information.
  • While there are no known confirmed cases within the TIC community, there is now a member of the TIC community who had exposure on Sunday to someone who is now confirmed to have the virus. The member of the TIC community is asymptomatic but will self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution. The exposure occurred this past Sunday, and the member of the TIC community did attend morning minyan some days this past week.
  • Additionally, there are no known confirmed cases among HIWP's membership, however some of their members are under self-quarantine due to potential exposure at YINR, WDS and SAR.
  • Directives from health professionals and government officials remain that only those with primary exposure are advised to quarantine; those with possible secondary exposure are not directed to do so, and any institutions with possible secondary exposure are not advised to close.
  • Everyone in our community is advised to continue to use discretion and follow the best practices reviewed below.
  • If you learn that you or your household member has had primary exposure to the virus, we ask that you please be in touch with a member of our response team (emails below our signatures) so that we continue to remain as informed as possible to make safe decisions for the community.
Should I Come to TIC?
  • If you or anyone in your household is not feeling well or is showing any signs of a cold or illness, please keep your entire family home.  Please recognize that the threshold for staying home is much lower and we ask that you err on the side of caution. 
  • If you are a member of a "high risk" group (including elderly, infirm, and those with an underlying medical condition), we strongly encourage you to stay home as you are at an increased risk of becoming acutely ill if infected with COVID-19.  
  • We realize that staying home is difficult and we will miss you, however your health, and the health of our community, is paramount.
  • We also recognize that it is a personal decision to attend, not attend, or attend for part.  We respect that, and we need to respect each other's decisions, particularly in this moment.
What Precautions Should I take while at TIC?
  • We ask that you  refrain from physical greetings (handshakes, fist bumps, hugs, kisses) .  Instead, consider the "elbow bump", "slight bow," or "heart tap." 
  • We will be holding a more limited Torah procession and we are eliminating the kissing of the Torah and mezuzot. 
  • During Kiddush, please take extra precautions around the food stations (use napkins when holding serving utensils, take what you touch, sanitize hands before eating, etc.)
  • Please keep a closer eye on your younger children to help them practice good hygiene, especially around the food stations during Kiddush.
  • We will ensure that soap dispensers are full and we will have some hand sanitizers, though supply is very limited.  We encourage you to bring and use your own hand sanitizer for more frequent use and to help our supplies last.
  • Our maintenance team has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, including the frequent use of disinfectants on high-touch surfaces.
What Else do I Need to Know?
  • Please continue to practice the following common sense hygiene guidelines:
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
    • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
    • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or elbow; discard tissues after single use.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • If you have any questions about COVID-19, call the Westchester County hotline: 211. They will have up-to-date information and guidance.   NYS Department of Health also has a hotline: (888) 364-3065
  • If you think you are symptomatic, do not go to the emergency room, you must call ahead before arrival to avoid putting others at risk. You may also call your doctor for guidance.
  • Other important and helpful links:

We will continue to keep you posted as the situation develops. We are a strong community and we will do our part to keep each other healthy and safe. We thank you for your understanding and partnership.

Shabbat Shalom,
 
                
Marc Berman              Rabbi Annie Tucker                 Mara Braunfeld              Jeremy Perler  
President                       Senior Rabbi                            Director of Learning      Security Chair   
                                                                                     and Engagement