Our Health Committee update as of August 12, 2022 is as follows:
I am pleased to report that, in the last 2-3 weeks, we have seen a precipitous drop in the rate of positive tests in the New Orleans area, and we are starting to see a drop in the hospitalization rate as well. In addition, our community threat level has been reduced from "High" to "Medium." All very encouraging news!
Unfortunately, we have also learned that with the recent highly contagious variants, vaccination does not prevent infection nor the ability to transmit the virus to others. However, it does continue to help protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Therefore, vaccination remains important for one's personal protection but is less essential to the community's health at large.
As a result, the Health Committee has recommended that we lift our vaccine requirement for shul entry, and the recommendation was approved by the Board on Monday, August 8th. This decision is also in keeping with current local guidelines for schools and businesses.
We do continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated, if eligible. The CDC recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, a booster for everyone ages 5 years and older, and a second booster for everyone ages 50 and older. Please note that special rules apply to those who are immunocompromised. Please visit the CDC website to learn more about staying up to date with vaccination.
Please click HERE to read our guidelines in full.
Shabbat shalom,
Julie Finger, MD, MPH
Chair, Health Committee
