Lech Lecha 5782

We are fortunate to report that, Baruch Hashem, there have not been additional cases of COVID.
Please note the following updated shul attendance guidelines:

Symptoms:
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID or any other illness, or feels feverish, may not attend shul.

High Risk:
If you are immunocompromised or have other conditions that put you at a higher risk we continue to urge you to consider the risks involved before attending shul.

Children's Program:
The BJC Children's Program will resume this Shabbos.

Masks:
From the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (see here):
People who are vaccinated are more protected from the Delta variant than those who are unvaccinated; however, people who are vaccinated can still become infected and possibly infect others.

CDC, ADHS, and MCDPH recommend that all people wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, when in indoor public settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.

Masks are required for all unvaccinated adults and children.

Seating:
More seating will now be available throughout the auditorium to provide additional space to spread out.

Extra-precaution seating area: This area is designated for the use of the immunocompromised and others that need or want to take a higher level of precaution.  Full vaccination and masks are required in this area.  Adults and children that are not fully vaccinated are not permitted to enter this area.

This area will now be expanded.

Frequently Asked Questions: Positive COVID Test
Q: What should you do if you are newly diagnosed as COVID-19 positive?
A: Dr. Aaron Glatt: "It is critically important for a newly diagnosed COVID-19 patient to seek medical attention with a knowledgeable physician who can promptly examine and evaluate you. There are potential therapeutic options such as monoclonal antibody infusions or injections that MIGHT be appropriate, as well as other treatments pending FDA authorization. Plus, there may be warning signs of impending severity of illness that may not be obvious, and follow-up assessment of oxygenation status (how well you are breathing) is very important, especially for people at higher risk.
In addition, family members who are exposed should be evaluated regarding COVID-19 testing and whether they need to quarantine."

Frequently Asked Questions: Returning to Shul
Q: I tested positive for COVID - when can I come back to shul?
A: You may return to shul after 10 days have elapsed from the onset of symptoms.
Q: What if I tested positive but never had any symptoms - when can I return to shul?
A: If you remain asymptomatic, you may return after 10 days have elapsed from the positive test. If you become symptomatic during this time, your "clock resets" and you should not return to shul until after 10 days have elapsed from the onset of symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions: Exposure to COVID
Q: I was exposed to someone with active COVID disease (i.e. a family member had an active case of COVID and I was exposed to him/her before or after it was detected). Am I allowed to attend shul?
A: If you become symptomatic, follow the guidelines above.
If you are fully vaccinated and remain asymptomatic, you may attend shul. Recommended: get tested 3-5 days after the last exposure and remain masked indoors for 14 days or until you have a negative test.
If you are not fully vaccinated, even if you remain asymptomatic you may not attend shul until 14 days have elapsed from the last day of exposure.
Q: How is the last day of exposure calculated?
A: Someone with active COVID disease is considered to be potentially shedding virus for 10 days from the onset of symptoms. Therefore, if you are not vaccinated and live with someone with active COVID disease, you cannot start counting the 14 days until after 10 days have elapsed from the onset of symptoms.

Thank you for your cooperation, and please respond to this email if you have any questions.

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