Dear all,
For the first time since the arrival of Omicron in our area, we are starting to see a decline in local case rates. Our hope is that this is the beginning of a highly anticipated and rapid drop in infections as has been observed in other places. As such, and with the approval of the Executive Committee, we feel that we can lift our restriction on in-person gathering. However, please be aware that the case numbers are still high and that this virus is still highly contagious. At this time in the pandemic, no social activity is completely without risk.
The following policies represent our best efforts to reduce risk as much as possible. Our goal is to maximize the number of congregants who can participate in our rabbinic visits, while providing as safe of an environment as possible for our candidates and our community. Therefore, the new polices, which will remain in effect through the next two weekends of rabbinic visits, are as follows:
- in-person programming and services may resume
- everyone in attendance must be fully vaccinated
- everyone in attendance must be masked
- cloth masks alone are inadequate
- surgical masks will be provided at the door as needed
- N95/KN95's are strongly encouraged
- social distancing should be observed
- services will take place in the sanctuary/social hall
- registration will be required
- attendance will be limited
- spacing and ventilation will be maximized
- attendees may gather in the sukkah area
- everyone must remain masked
- no food will be provided
Off-site dining and activities will be up to the discretion of the Search Committee and/or the candidates. We do, however, strongly recommend that these events be small in size, be held outdoors whenever possible, and that only fully vaccinated people participate in them.
The Health Committee will continue to monitor the data closely and will make additional recommendations as needed.
Julie Finger, MD, MPH
Chair, Health Committee
