At its July meeting the KI Board of Directors voted to follow the recommendations of the KI Reopening Committee to adjust the synagogue’s policies in regard to COVID safety measures at 2014 Forest Road.
- Vaccinations. No change. We expect everyone to have received all vaccinations and boosters for COVID 19 for which they are eligible.
- Social Distancing. We will no longer attempt to enforce social distancing (although see below for Eating Indoors). We do ask, however, that everyone in the building be respectful of those who wish to maintain a six-foot distance from others.
- Masks: Masking is recommended when indoors but is no longer mandatory.
- Eating Indoors. Eating indoors is now permitted, be we expect that people will use good judgment. E.g., crowding in the kitchen or food line while unmasked ought to be avoided; relaxation of the no-open-window policy implemented for safety reasons will be tolerated in the social hall while people are eating.
The Reopening Committee will continue to meet monthly and reassess our policies in the light of current circumstance in the Lansing area.
Shabbat Shalom,
Doug Moffat.
Dear KI members –
The Kehillat Israel Board of Directors and KI’s Reopening Committee have been monitoring the latest COVID information. Unfortunately, the number of new COVID cases has increased substantially in our area and throughout Michigan, and hospitalizations are increasing as well. In light of the data and the importance of caring for all of our members, the Board has adopted the recommendation of the Reopening Committee and revised (again) KI’s COVID safety measures.
The Board decided we will continue to hold Shabbat services both in-person in the building and on-line via Zoom. In-person gatherings (including Shabbat services, the KIvunim religious school, and small groups like the book club) are subject to the following updated safety precautions:
- All attendees who are eligible to receive a booster shot (age 12 and up) need to be boosted.
- Masking is required.
- Physical distancing is encouraged but not required.
- Eating is allowed outdoors
The Annual Congregation Meeting on Sunday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. will be held only Zoom, given the limited capacity of the Social Hall with physical distancing and, with no eating indoors, not having a group dinner beforehand.
The Board and the Reopening Committee recognize we relaxed the safety measures less than two weeks ago and that today’s revisions feel like a step backwards. After all the ups and downs of the pandemic, including the sharp drop in cases earlier this year, the current surge is discouraging. Our overall priority is the safety of our members. The Reopening Committee will continue to closely monitor the latest information and provide updated recommendations to the Board.
Stay safe,
Neil Gordon, KI President
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https://www.michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/MDHHS_Face_Mask_Recommendations_5.20.21_725941_7.pdf
Michigan mask requirements and restrictions update from Mlive
https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2021/06/michigans-mask-mandates-capacity-limits-are-over-here-are-the-remaining-restrictions.html
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https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2020/08/center-for-family-health-column-dealing-with-anxiety-depression-caused-by-coronavirus-pandemic.html
Member News
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Great read on how to stay safe when our community reopens.
Click on link to read. https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them?utm_source=digg
Article – Nigel Paneth on coronavirus plasma treatment
https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/michigan-doctor-near-death-among-first-get-coronavirus-plasma-treatment?utm_source=Bridge+Magazine&utm_campaign=c3e5a591d0-Bridge+Newsletter+04%2F29%2F2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c64a28dd5a-c3e5a591d0-82310803
Governor Witmer’s executive order
https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-526894–,00.html
Reconstructing Judaism – click on link below
https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/recon-connect
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