If you have any Covid-related symptoms or are not feeling well, we ask that you not come to the building, but we hope you can partake in our programs and services via Livestream and Zoom.
In the Spring of 2021 TIC began requiring all individuals aged 12 and older (other than those with a documented medical exemption) to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in activities, indoors or outdoors. This decision was made based on CDC guidance at the time, which stated that vaccination prevented the transmission of COVID. Today, the environment has changed. While vaccination remains highly effective in preventing those with COVID from becoming severely ill, we now know that it has not shown to be as effective in reducing transmission of the dominant circulating variants of the virus. In addition, while our community continues to experience cases of COVID, today’s health impacts are usually milder with more effective treatments now available. Therefore, the TIC Board of Trustees, acting upon a recommendation from our Reopening Task Force, has adopted a change to our COVID protocols. Effective immediately, TIC will no longer require COVID vaccination to participate in activities at TIC. However, we continue to strongly recommend staying up-to-date with vaccination and boosters for all those who are eligible. This is particularly relevant, as both influenza and COVID rates are rising in our region.
Our mask-optional policy will remain unchanged, and seating in the reception hall will continue to be reserved during Shabbat and weekday evening services for those who wish to wear a mask and sit exclusively amongst others wearing masks in a socially distanced environment. Of course, those who wish to continue to wear masks should feel free to do so in any location throughout the sanctuary and the rest of the building. Many of our programs and services will continue to remain accessible via Zoom or Livestream for those who remain uncomfortable gathering in person.
While making these changes, we continue to ask our community to be sensitive and understanding towards those who take personal precautions to minimize their exposure to COVID. For all TIC services and activities, congregants are reminded to stay home if they do not feel well or are symptomatic.
Please see the following NYSDOH guidelines to help answer questions you may have about when you may return to TIC if you are in isolation or quarantine for COVID19: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-contact-tracing TIC will continue to abide by all protocols required by NYS and any other governmental entity, and our Reopening Task Force will continue to review TIC’s protocols to ensure the safety and health of our community.
Protocols updated as of 12/22/22.
