TAA Covid-19 Protocols - Temple Ahavat Achim

Last updated: May 16, 2022

A high level of corona virus transmission now exists in Essex County. The TAA physician advisory group feels that all who enter the temple or who take part in temple events or activities should be aware that their risk of contracting COVID is higher now than it has been since this January. The physician group is not recommending changes to our existing COVID protocols (below), but the physicians feel that following these protocols with renewed commitment is appropriate during times of high-level virus transmission.

As before, it is recommended that each individual take precautions and pursue activities based on their own comfort level and their sense of their vulnerability to COVID-19.

It is recommended that members review the CDC website for their latest guidance at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

Health Requirements

Please do not enter the Temple if you are experiencing any symptoms that could indicate COVID infection (fever>100 degrees, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body aches, runny nose or congestion, new loss of sense of taste or smell) or if you meet criteria for isolation or quarantine because of COVID.

Mask Requirements

- Masking in the temple is optional for those who have received all COVID-19 vaccine doses, including all boosters, for which they are eligible.

- Masking in the temple is required for those who are not up to date with vaccines (as defined above) or who have not had a negative COVID test in recent days.

Vaccination Requirements

- It is not necessary to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. An honor system is in place.

- Remember that being fully vaccinated against COVID protects the individual and those around them.

- It is strongly recommended that everyone receive all COVID-19 vaccinations for which they are eligible.

General Precautions

- Remember that activities that involve close contact and the close sharing of exhaled air, whether indoors or outdoors, are higher risk.

- Corona virus transmission is less likely to occur during outdoor rather than indoor activities.

- In addition to the precautions above, the risk of infection is decreased by increasing ventilation, maintaining distance and by washing hands frequently.

Food and Drink

- Eating and drinking are allowed in the temple and at all temple related activities.

- Remember that the risk of infection is decreased by increasing the distance between those who are eating and drinking.

- Food and drink should be served according to kitchen committee protocols.

School & Family Learning Protocols

COVID-19 protocols are the same for school and family learning activities as for the temple as a whole.

Neighborhood Shabbat

- Neighborhood Shabbats are temple-related activities. All temple COVID-19 protocols should be followed.

- Food and drink should be served according to kitchen committee protocols.

- Please do not attend a Neighborhood Shabbat if you are experiencing any symptoms that could indicate COVID-19 infection (fever>100 degrees, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body aches, runny nose or congestion, new loss of sense of taste or smell) or if they meet criteria for isolation or quarantine because of COVID-19.