Dear Congregation Shomrei Emunah,
As we are all about to embark on end of the year celebrations and many of us plan travel, I wanted to take a minute to remind you that while there is no vaccine requirement and mask wearing at Shomrei remains optional, both the Medical Committee and I are becoming very concerned about the rise of COVID/FLU/RSV transmission, which, if the last two years are a guide, tends to peak in early January.
PLEASE, consider wearing a mask when inside the synagogue until we have an understanding of where the trend is heading this year. Mask-wearing protects yourself and especially protects others who may have risk factors in play you do not know about.
Essex county is currently in the RED, as all three community risk metrics have risen post Thanksgiving. FYI, I am still using this website to track the progression: https://covidactnow.org/us/new_jersey-nj/county/essex_county/?s=44203167
Hopefully this year won’t replicate last – I haven’t heard news of a new highly contagious variant – and we will escape without too many experiencing severe illness.
With my best wishes for a safe and healthy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Michael Sag
President
Editor’s note: This message was originally emailed to the congregation on Dec. 23rd.
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