Orthodox Union Guidance Regarding COVID-19

This page will be updated, as circumstances evolve, with the latest guidance from the Orthodox Union regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. March 18, 10:00 AM EDT Please join the Orthodox Union community for the recitation of Tehillim (chapters 20, 27 and 130) and divrei chizuk (words of inspiration) from our rabbanim each afternoon at 1:00PM EDT. Today’s divrei chizuk will be shared by Rabbi Ilan Feldman of Congregation Beth Jacob in Atlanta, GA. To participate, please dial 773-377-9170. May the group recitation of Tehillim serve as a zchut (merit) for those who are ill and to ward off this pandemic. OU Live Premieres Tonight at 8pm OU Live is a new nightly hour-long program, bringing you front row seats to our conversations with our community’s most inspiring and uplifting leaders. Beginning tonight, tune in together with thousands across the country, every night at 8pm at ou.org/oulive. Tonight’s (3/18) program features Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb with words of inspiration, Dr. Henry Abramson on the unprecedented historical setting of our time and special musical guest star Shulem Lemmer. ### March 17, 9:15 PM EDT Additional Guidance for Synagogues/Communities We have already advised that social distancing for each and every member of our community is critical. People should maintain physical distance from others, and should limit shopping trips, sending only one person on those trips. The situation continues to evolve at a rapid pace and thus these guidelines are formulated based solely on currently available information and advice. Significant developments have compelled this addition to the guidelines previously issued by the OU. We must further add: Many individuals – including thousands of students – are returning to their communities from areas with active communal transmission – including Israel, New York and New Jersey. These individuals should practice separation for 14 days in the family home, having a separate room for sleeping, a separate bathroom if possible, and otherwise keeping a safe distance. They should not be the ones doing the shopping trips or any ventures out into the community until they have been home for 14 days symptom-free. We advise strongly against those returning from such areas – as well as all grandchildren – kissing or hugging or having other close contact with elderly grandparents or others considered high risk from COVID-19. With regard to what specific steps to take within the family home to separate those returning from the other members of the family, parents should consult with their own medical advisors and should adhere to all governmental, public health and local medical guidelines for how to practice separation for returnees from areas of active transmission. Many local synagogues and communities are helping members to be informed and connected to appropriate sources of guidance.