Home > COVID-19 PROTOCOLS (March 2022)
At every step of the recovery phase, we continue to prioritize community health and safety under the guidance of the medical experts on our COVID-19 Task Force. Our decisions reflect lessons we have learned from two years of robust virtual activity, the feedback we have received from so many of you, and our commitment to ensuring that all of you will have access to the comfort, inspiration, and community of your Temple.
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Please see our calendar for up-to-date information on which activities are in-person, online-only, or hybrid. Additional information and resources can be found in the FAQ below.
All protocols and procedures are subject to change pursuant to local conditions, government regulations, and the medical judgment of our COVID-19 Task Force.
If you have any questions about our protocols, please contact Executive Director Lindsay Feldman. We know this is a concerning time for many and our clergy team is here for you if you’d like to talk.
As of February 1, 2022, we require proof of vaccination for all attendees ages 5+.
Those with a valid medical reason (such as being immunocompromised) may present a negative rapid or PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to entry.
You can show us your vaccine card, a photo of the card that shows your name, or any app/website that can validate your status including:
We follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which state you’re fully vaccinated 14 days after:
In addition to requiring all in-person attendees to be fully vaccinated, we (and CDC) encourage receiving all CDC-recommended boosters because they provide additional protection.
If you have tested positive and have no fever or symptoms, you may return to Temple or JBSC five (5) days after a positive test. Of course, you can still join us for services via livestream.
If you do have a fever or other symptoms, please stay home. Five (5) days after the fever and/or symptoms are gone, you can come in.
For more complete guidelines, visit the CDC’s site on COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID infection and you are fully vaccinated, have had a booster, and have no fever or symptoms, you may attend Temple or JBSC events in person if your rapid or PCR test is negative.
If you were fully vaccinated over 6 months ago and are NOT boosted, stay home for 5 days, get a PCR test on day 5, then assuming you test negative, welcome back.
All of WHC’s clergy and staff are fully vaccinated.
Based on current local regulations and guidance from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks are optional for everyone while inside any of our buildings. For those who choose to wear a mask, we encourage ones with the highest level of protection (N95, KN95, KF94), balancing risks, access to mask supplies, personal comfort, and practicality. For more on masks, see below.
If you are unable to wear a mask for any reason, please join us via livestream.
Many local pharmacies, grocery stores (CDC has a list of participating stores), and government sites like libraries have them available for free (3 per person per day).
To order more, try Project N95 – The National Clearinghouse for personal protective equipment and COVID-19 tests.
Yes! Our Friday Evening and Saturday Morning Shabbat services will be livestreamed as always.
Please notify one of our onsite staff members so we can provide appropriate accommodations.
We will follow guidance and direction provided by local health authorities.
Our facilities staff cleans and disinfects high-touch areas several times a day, and our building is cleaned and disinfected at the end of every business day. Worship areas also receive additional cleaning and disinfection before and after services.
We have installed upgrades to our air handling system that have improved overall air quality and will mitigate many health risks – including coronavirus.
And we are happy to help! Please email Steve Jacober, WHC’s Executive Director, or Jeff Weiss, Chairman of WHC’s COVID-19 Task Force and Board of Directors Officer-at-Large.
Yes! See above for all the protocols your guests will be expected to follow.
Worship services and life cycle events may take place in the Albert and Shirley Small Chapel.
We still encourage all families to hold their services and life cycle events in Kaufmann Sanctuary. The sanctuary is much larger and offers a better opportunity for social distancing.
If you are not comfortable or able to have an indoor service, please contact our B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator, Beth Donaldson, as soon as possible so we can discuss options with you.
Yes! The livestream will be available.
