Coronavirus Update

November 16, 2020

We continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 with the goal of keeping our Shir Hadash families safe and well as our compass. Should you need assistance, or have questions, please contact our President, Marc Fargotstein, at 847-612-6579, or the office, at 847-498-8218, at any time.

There is promising news from Pfizer, Inc., BioNTech SE, and Moderna, Inc., pharmaceutical companies. They report their COVID-19 vaccine candidates have an estimated 90% or greater immunization rate in late stage clinical trials. As we understand it, this means that if all goes well, there is the possibility that vaccines may be available for mass distribution starting in April. 

Our Staff and Board members regularly review and discuss the latest health and government department guidance to help us maintain safe practices. We are closely monitoring the Illinois and Suburban Cook County Regional COVID-19 Metrics (Region 10). The Illinois seven-day statewide rolling positivity rate for cases as a share of total tests was 14.5% for the period ending November 12, up from 8% on Nov 1. 

Our community is now subject to Region 10 Resurgence Mitigations and also a Stay-At-Home Advisory, which authorities anticipate will curtail further spread of the disease. These mitigations supersede or tighten the controls in our own Phase 4 COVID-19 Policies (https://sh.shulcloud.com/documents.html). Therefore, we will refrain from hosting gatherings or services in the building through mid-December. Staff continues to separately work in the building on a limited schedule. Curbside contactless events may still occur, subject to Executive Committee approval.

Because of the fluid nature of this pandemic, we are erring to the side of caution in our decision-making process because nothing is more important than you and your family’s health and welfare.

As we enter the colder and darker months, we will continue to drive events and activities to keep all our spirits warm and bright. Please share your feedback and suggestions on our efforts with our Board.