Coronavirus Update, June 7, 2020

Important Information Regarding Shir Hadash Building Operations during State of Illinois Covid-19 Phase Three Reopening Plan
 
Dear Friends:
 
We want to give you an update on the current situation as our town and state begin to allow the gradual re-opening of offices.

​

First, we can't thank you enough for your support over the last couple months. Thanks to your encouragement, we have been able to continue working and operating virtually while keeping our whole staff working full time.  Our recent congregational survey showed that 80% of our members have participated in virtual events, and your feedback and comments were very positive and helpful.

That being said, and in a preponderance of caution, we have made the hard decision to hold off on fully re-opening our synagogue at this time. We want to be here for the long haul, and don't feel the need to rush into anything that could jeopardize that. We don't want to risk our staff or our member safety. We ask for your patience and understanding and we will keep you posted on what's to come.
 
The Shir Hadash Pandemic Outbreak Management Team, ably led by Jerry Weiss, has developed operational policies for Phase 2 and Phase 3, which have been approved by the Board.  We have developed these policies taking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Restore Illinois Plan to reduce the risks of exposure to the COVID-19 Virus. These policies for working at our building will be updated as necessary to maintain precautions and protocols that follow these guidelines.
 
CDC COVID-19 guidance can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Restore Illinois Plan and Illinois Dept of Public Health (IDPH) guidance can be found here IDPH & RestoreIllinoisPlan. A supporting Office document toolkit is here Illinois Department of Commerce - Restore Illinois .
 

1.   During these phases the Building is NOT open for Services, School, Meetings or routine Congregant or Visitor Business. Remote work and virtual meetings should be employed where practical for business, religious and education activities.

2.   During Restore Illinois Phase 3, approved activities will be permitted at the building. These activities are:

• Office work by staff and volunteers which has been approved by the Executive Director or President.

• Infrastructure work by contractors or vendors which has been approved by the President or Vice President Building Operations

• Facilities maintenance by contractors or vendors which has been approved by the. Executive Director, President or Vice President Building Operations

• A staff or volunteer worker must be present while contractors are working inside the building, with the exception of our cleaning service.

​

3.    There are specific policies for the use of PPE, the number of people allowed in the building, guidance for deliveries and contractors, cleaning and security.

4.   Training on our operational policies is required for staff and volunteers prior to working in the building.

 
We cannot wait to have you back for services, social events, classes and good times. In the meantime, we will err on the side of caution to ensure everyone's safety, focusing on the always #1 priority: YOU!

Thanks to everyone for your support. We are so blessed to be a part of this community.
 
Marc Fargotstein, President