Each one of us has an important role to play in preparing ourselves and our families for possible disruptions and doing our best to help prevent further outbreaks. We want to reiterate the importance of following general health and wellness best practices, with a particular focus on thorough hand washing. We ask for your partnership staying home if you observe the following symptoms of a contagious illness:

• Fever of 100 degrees or more
• Heavy green discharge from the eyes or nose
• Deep cough
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash or other open sores

We ask that everyone take a few practical steps to protect yourself and your family and prevent further outbreaks. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, follow these important tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Send your child to school in clean fresh clothes daily.
• Send in clean fresh water bottles daily- teachers will refill when needed.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe. symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

We will continue to act with vigilance and diligence in promoting overall preventative health hygiene within our congregation and schools. Here are some specific steps we are taking at Beth Israel keep our community safe and healthy:

• Hand Sanitizer: Additional hand sanitizers have been placed in strategic areas around the building to support access to cleaner, safer hygiene.
• Enhanced Cleaning: We are taking additional precautions with increased daily cleaning of the temple building, with an increased focus on “high-touch” surfaces in high use areas to ensure a safe, healthy environment.
• Oneg Shabbat and community meals: we encourage you to use a napkin or a utensil to take a piece of pre-cut challah.
• Food Practices: We won’t be serving platters of fruit, cheese, crackers and desserts, but instead we will be serving pre-packaged items and we will be introducing pre-cut servings of challah.
• School: Our preschool and religious school classes are in session for now, and we will follow local school guidelines. Staff program leaders are directing more detailed to communications to those specific communities.

Keep Others Healthy

• While we are in the business of welcoming people into our sacred space, sometimes it makes sense to stay home. If you or your child has a fever and flu-like symptoms, please stay at home and see your health care provider if appropriate. We are asking the same of our staff. Doing so will make it easier for everyone to confidently come to temple with less fear of getting sick.
• Be mindful of good hygiene. It is good practice to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, using a tissue or sleeve, and throwing tissues in a bin immediately after use. Adults washing hands thoroughly and often are good role models for young people.
• If you have been diagnosed with, have been exposed to, or have restrictions from your medical provider related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases and would like pastoral care, please contact the temple office and a clergy member will reach out to you.

Supporting Children in Times of Uncertainty Seeing and hearing about local and world events, such as the outbreak of COVID-19, may cause children to experience stress, anxiety, and fears. Helpful tips on how to talk to your kids about the coronavirus outbreak can be found HERE. Comments or Questions For additional information, we refer you to the World Health Organization website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Please send any comments or questions regarding preparedness measures and planning to .