COVID-19 Jewish Community Update: 3/9/2020

Shalom, 

The Greater New Haven community has many reasons to feel pride and this is especially true today as we all work together to make our best preparations as Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to spread in North America.  Since we first became aware of the growing concerns, our Jewish Federation in concert with our community’s agency and congregational leadership have been in communication with pro-active urgency.

There is no cause for alarm as the risk to most is generally low.  However, we strive to be as prepared as possible with the hope that we will not have to put into practice the policies and procedures created for extensive quarantine.

In our community building, the JCC on Amity Road in Woodbridge, we have added 12 more hand-sanitizing stations, signage encouraging good personal health practices and are encouraging all staff and members to stay at home if they feel unwell.  We are strategizing on a day by day basis regarding the continuation of certain programs and activities as we closely monitor guidance issued by the State of Connecticut, local municipalities, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

Should community quarantines go into effect, our professionals are working to identify creative ways to keep connected with the possibility of PJ Library story time or adult lectures or fitness classes delivered virtually.

As a community, agency and synagogue leaders are sharing best practices and discussing how to ensure that the vulnerable are cared for; that those who may require food or medicine assistance get it; that people do not suffer from isolation.  I applaud the leaders of our agencies and congregations who have offered the support of their chesed (kindness) committees to assist in the event that we need help with deliveries.

We are mindful that a significant percentage of our community falls within the high-risk category.  We encourage everyone to take precautions to maximize their health—good hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying hydrated and well-nourished.  Large gatherings are not advisable at this time as social distancing is a best practice.  We will consider this as we move forward through the busy calendar of community events and keep communications flowing as soon as decisions are made.

As always, we remain available to you with any questions or concerns you may have.

With our best wishes for continued good health,

Jeffrey Hoos
President

Judy Alperin
Chief Executive Officer

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