As has been documented since Rosh Hashanah, there is a significant uptick in diagnosed COVID cases within our community. In response, we have urgently called for 100% compliance with safety protocols in order to reduce spread of disease and chas v'shalom death or serious illness.
While we are gratified by the seriousness with which this matter is being taken, not everyone is following these guidelines. We are particularly concerned about the last days of Yom Tov, especially with the laxity in behavior that Simchas Torah engenders.
We therefore would like to set forth expectations for practices that will safeguard our families and hasten the end of this crisis. Following are guidelines that members of our shuls should abide by:
Individuals who are quarantined due to exposure to a COVID-positive individual should remain at home. This includes taking walks in the neighborhood.
Masks that cover the mouth and nose should always be worn when interacting with others, both indoors and outdoors. In addition, distancing of six feet must be maintained, especially when engaged in conversation for any length of time.
Indoor activities where masks cannot be worn, such as meals, should be with immediate family only.
Anyone who has fever or respiratory symptoms such as a cough, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath should stay home AND SHOULD CERTAINLY NOT COME TO SHUL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. This includes outdoor minyanim.
Anyone who has had exposure to a COVID-positive individual, even if asymptomatic, should consult with a doctor before going out in public or going to shul
Visitors from states that New Jersey has identified as requiring quarantine should not enter any home and may not attend any shul before 14 days of quarantine after entry to New Jersey.
A number of communities in NY and NJ are now experiencing alarmingly high levels of infection. We strongly urge you not to host guests from these hot spots, nor should you visit there for the time being. Ignoring this directive may literally put people's lives in danger, particularly those who are high risk.
Anyone who has spent significant time in a neighborhood in the NY-NJ area that has seen a spike in COVID cases should not enter other homes (including outdoors) or attend shul (including outdoors).
No one should host indoor Yom Tov gatherings. Outdoor gatherings should be limited and comply with all masking and distancing protocols.
Teenagers or young adults should not host friends from out of the community or leave the community to stay with friends for the last days of Yom Tov.
Vaad HaRabonim of Raritan Valley