March 9, 2020
Dear Chicago Jewish Community,
With concern of the global spread of COVID-19 on our minds, the organizations below are collaborating under the guidance of leading Rabbanim and the CDC to provide unified recommendations and resources to the Chicago Jewish community.
As of this time (3/9 at 10 AM), there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the Chicago Jewish community. Based on this current status, we offer the following recommendations to prevent COVID-19 from reaching our community and if necessary, to prevent its spread.
General Recommendations
It is critically important to practice everyday preventative behaviors:
- Any individual with symptoms of fever, coughing, achiness and/or difficulty breathing MUST stay home, except to get medical care. This is true even if it means you will miss the public Megillah reading.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
- Individuals with higher risk of illness or chronic medical conditions should avoid being in crowds more than necessary.
Purim
We look forward to having a joyous Purim with opportunities to fulfill all the mitzvos of the day properly. That being said, with the current spread of the Coronavirus, it is important to be extra vigilant on this day of frequent interaction of individuals from throughout the community.
At this time, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is not of the opinion that healthy individuals need to avoid public gatherings. Accordingly, it is considered safe for shuls to maintain their normally scheduled Megillah readings and Purim mesibas. Certainly, individual organizations may choose to be more stringent on this matter.
The following precautions, however, are advisable-
- Mesibas- It is advisable to minimize the amount of Purim parties that one attends.
- Tzedakah Collection- There are many groups and individuals that will be collecting tzedakah in our community. These guests should be treated with the same generosity and graciousness as in the past, but it is recommended to politely ask them to wait by the door while you make your contribution.
- Mishloach Manos- The giving of Mishloach Manos may continue as usual, with caution to maintain healthy preventative handwashing habits.
Those who need to stay home should consult with their halachic authority about how best to fulfill the mitzvah of reading the Megillah under such circumstances.
FURTHER ASSISTANCE
A community health and safety hotline has been arranged for questions related to how to contact the CDC, how to arrange testing, and how to obtain resources in a case of quarantine. The number is 224-534-9867.
In addition, a conference call was held last Thursday with halachic and general guidance for what can and should be done in regard to the COVID-19 developments. As the situation in Chicago is still the same as it was then, the information discussed on the call is still relevant.
To access the recording, please click here or call (605) 475 – 4952, Access Code: 413760#, Lecture Code: 114#.
Hatzalah members are equipped to respond to suspected cases of COVID-19. If you have minor symptoms, please stay home and call your doctor. If you have significant symptoms, call Hatzalah and inform the dispatcher that you are calling about a suspected case of COVID-19. If in doubt, do not hesitate to call Hatzalah.
May those who have already contracted this illness be zoche to a refuah shleimah, and may this and all other illnesses not spread to our city or any community around the world.
With wishes for a healthy, safe and joyous Purim,
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