​In consultation with staff and lay leaders, Temple Chai’s COVID Task Force of physicians has updated COVID-related policies. These policies reflect Temple Chai’s continued commitment to Pikuach Nefesh (saving life and preserving health), Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh LaZeh (our responsibility to each other), and Kehilah (being present together in community). They also reflect the development of knowledge around protection against COVID, watchfulness of the current surge and anticipation of future COVID surges, and the guidance of the medical community.
 
1.     Temple Chai strongly encourages everyone eligible to be fully vaccinated (i.e., vaccinated and boosted to the fullest extent of eligibility) across our entire congregational community inclusive of our Early Childhood Center (ECC) and Religious School.  
 
2.     Masks are optional for all vaccinated individuals. Masks are strongly encouraged particularly for unvaccinated and/or immunocompromised individuals, especially during surges in the Valley. Please do not attend in-person events if you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19.
 
3.     After a direct exposure: Please monitor carefully for any symptoms. Masking is required for 5 calendar days after exposure with a test after five days.
 
4.     All employees must be fully vaccinated, including all boosters for which they are eligible.
 
5.     People who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to routinely stay away from others for at least five days, according to new guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued March 1, 2024. The CDC now recommends people who have COVID-19 should stay home until they’ve been fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours AND their symptoms have been improving for 24 hours. People should mask in the classroom for 5 days from a positive test.
 
6.     Choirs: We highly recommend all participants receive COVID vaccines & booster shots as they become eligible.

ECC and Religious School
Additions to the above items

7.      If a child has a fever over 100 degrees, child must go or stay home but can return with a rapid or PCR test if having multiple symptoms related to COVID-19. Must also be fever-free without fever-reducing medications for 24 hours.
 
8.      In the event of a direct exposure, the families of the class in which there has been a positive case will be notified.