COVID policy Update 2/9/2022

COVID policy Update 2/9/2022

As promised, the Return to Worship Group met again Tuesday night, 2/8, to re-evaluate the COVID rates and medical data for the Capital Region as well as to discuss our next steps related to our COVID protocols.  The current data for the Capital Region looks very promising and rates have dropped significantly down to pre-Omicron levels. We were pleased to learn through our discussion that vaccine rates in our area are just as promising:

• 93% for 55 -64 
• 99% for 65 and over

With this promising data coupled with the fact  that we are only 3 weeks out from the surge, the committee decided to be very cautious and are therefore keeping the protocols in place through the remainder of the month of February. 

As of March 5, the first Shabbos in March, the vaccination requirements will be lifted and we will return to in-person kiddush, family style.  Byachad and Mifgash will also be following this same time table for snacks/food related to their programs.  We understand that the decrease in rates across the Capital Region, State, and Country are really great news in relation to Omicron, but we are acutely aware that we are still in a Pandemic.  We have always been cautious and deliberate with our COVID protocols and that has not changed.  We appreciate your understanding and  patience with us.  Once the weather gets better and warmer outside, we will put our tents and heaters to good use in order to do as much outside as possible as we did last summer and in the fall.

Shabbat Shalom,

Return to Worship Group   

Jan 18, 2022 Follow-Up and slight change to COVID policy

Due to the Omicron surge, out of  an abundance of caution, and after consultation with our medical experts, it has been decided that temporarily, for the next 2 Shabbatot, only vaccinated individuals will be permitted to attend services.  This also pertains to children of all ages. We know that this may put a short-term hardship on some of our young families, but we want to reduce the risk of infection at this critical time.  We will be checking for proof of vaccination either in advance or at the door.  We continue to ask that everyone who plans to attend services, please RSVP using the registration form.  Please use one of the options below to share your proof:

• When registering, you can upload an image of your card through the form.  We will only be using the images to make a list of people who have shown proof and images will be deleted (images will not be stored).
• When registering, there will be an email address that you can use to send in your proof.  We will only be using the images to make a list of people who have shown proof and images will be deleted (images will not be stored).
• You can bring your vaccine card to the door when you come to services and show it to the greeter.  This will only need to be done once as long as you have pre-registered.  If you hadn’t pre-registered, please contact the office after Shabbat to let the office know that you were in attendance, so that you won’t need to show your card again.
• You can stop by the main office and show your card to Cecelia.

From the leadership and the greeters, we ask that you follow these protocols and do not put the greeters at the door in the truly uncomfortable position of having to turn someone away on Shabbat!!  We are in this together and feel compelled to make these up to the minute temporary decisions in these unprecedented times.  

In conclusion, we are always very thankful to our donors for our amazing live streaming technology, allowing for everyone to join us to celebrate Shabbat safely.  Again, this is only temporary and will be re-evaluated moving forward.