WJC COVID Protocols Update

Dear WJC Family,

In light of the recent upsurge in COVID positivity rates due to the latest variant, we thought it advisable to reiterate our current protocols and emphasize a few points.

This email does not address COVID protocols applicable to our schools, including the Religious School and ECC. Covid protocols for our schools are set forth in separate communications from our school administration. The ECC is guided by and operates in compliance with directives of the New York State Office of Children’s and Family Services (OCFS).

Currently, to enter our premises for religious services or other general activities, we require that those who are eligible (ages 5 and above) be fully vaccinated. This includes boosters where applicable (for those 12 and older). We are not keeping lists or checking people at the door, but reserve the right to ask for proof of vaccination at our discretion.

At this time, in accordance with New York Department of Health and CDC guidance, wearing a mask indoors is optional for those who are fully vaccinated—provided they have not tested positive and are not experiencing COVID symptoms, and provided they have not been in close contact with someone with COVID. If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID, in accordance with NYS DOH and CDC guidance, you should test for COVID and wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days any time you are around others whether inside your home or in public. Please do not go places or participate in events (such as Kiddush) where you are unable to wear a well-fitting mask. Those who have tested positive for COVID should not enter our premises until they have fully complied with NYS DOH isolation guidelines: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-contact-tracing

The recent spread of the current variant is not a basis for reinstating greater COVID restrictions at this time, but it is a reminder that we need to remain vigilant about compliance with our COVID protocols and be mindful of our impact on others and on their feeling of well-being and safety in attending WJC in-person programming. Many in our community will be willing to attend in person only if they feel that our community as a whole is continuing to take health and safety concerns seriously. So if you have been in contact with someone with COVID, please stay out a few days more rather than take any chances that you may later test positive and have come in contact with others.

A final word about our COVID Task Force and the role they play in setting COVID policy for WJC. WJC COVID policy is set by WJC leadership, including me, David Goldstein and others, who request input on health and safety issues from the WJC COVID Task Force. The WJC COVID Task Force is a group of medical professionals who, as volunteers, have been advising WJC leadership on health and safety issues arising from COVID for more than two years. The Task Force reviews and interprets guidance set by the CDC and New York regulatory authorities. Therefore we ask that if you have questions or issues with our COVID policy please take those issues up with me or other members of WJC leadership, not members of the Task Force. We will be sure to respond in a timely manner.

Thank you all for your continuing support and adherence to these guidelines, and stay safe.

Shabbat Shalom,
Seth Schafler, President
David Goldstein, Executive Director