The Congregation Bnai Tikvah COVID task force met on October 24, 2022 to discuss the synagogue’s policy on mask use. Current policy is a requirement that masks be worn at services, meetings, and in the office. Masks have been optional at other events.
The medical professionals on the committee advised the following:
1. COVID continues to pose a potential serious risk to one’s health and well-being. That risk can be in the form of serious illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly in older individuals, those with chronic illness, and those who have not been vaccinated. Additionally, infection can cause “long COVID” characterized by fatigue, mental cloudiness, muscle and joint aches, chronic cough, and a variety of other symptoms. It is less clear who is at risk for “long COVID.”
2. We anticipate new variants in the coming months. The extent to which these variants escape the immunity provided by past infection and vaccinations, and the virulence of these variants, is not known presently.
3. A multilayered approach that includes vaccination; physical distancing; avoiding crowded indoor spaces; wearing high quality respiratory masks; improving ventilation; and early detection and treatment of infection, is the best way to prevent COVID infection.
4. There are still significant rates of COVID transmission in the community.
The task force recognizes that most establishments have dropped mask requirements and that many in the congregation would like to see the requirement dropped at B’nai Tikvah. Effective immediately, masks will no longer be required at B’nai Tikvah. However, the task force and the board strongly encourage people to wear masks as much as possible. Additionally, the ritual committee will identify a section of pews in the sanctuary that will be a “mask only” section.
The task force will continue to monitor COVID transmission, disease severity, and guidance from the CDC and NJ Department of Health and update the synagogue’s policy when indicated. The task force greatly appreciates the patience of the congregation in our efforts to prevent a super spreader event from occurring at B’nai Tikvah and to protect the health of each member.
The medical professionals on the committee advised the following:
1. COVID continues to pose a potential serious risk to one’s health and well-being. That risk can be in the form of serious illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly in older individuals, those with chronic illness, and those who have not been vaccinated. Additionally, infection can cause “long COVID” characterized by fatigue, mental cloudiness, muscle and joint aches, chronic cough, and a variety of other symptoms. It is less clear who is at risk for “long COVID.”
2. We anticipate new variants in the coming months. The extent to which these variants escape the immunity provided by past infection and vaccinations, and the virulence of these variants, is not known presently.
3. A multilayered approach that includes vaccination; physical distancing; avoiding crowded indoor spaces; wearing high quality respiratory masks; improving ventilation; and early detection and treatment of infection, is the best way to prevent COVID infection.
4. There are still significant rates of COVID transmission in the community.
The task force recognizes that most establishments have dropped mask requirements and that many in the congregation would like to see the requirement dropped at B’nai Tikvah. Effective immediately, masks will no longer be required at B’nai Tikvah. However, the task force and the board strongly encourage people to wear masks as much as possible. Additionally, the ritual committee will identify a section of pews in the sanctuary that will be a “mask only” section.
The task force will continue to monitor COVID transmission, disease severity, and guidance from the CDC and NJ Department of Health and update the synagogue’s policy when indicated. The task force greatly appreciates the patience of the congregation in our efforts to prevent a super spreader event from occurring at B’nai Tikvah and to protect the health of each member.