At this time, Michigan has the dubious distinction of having the worst Covid outbreak in the nation. The positivity rate for Covid tests exceeds 20% in the state and 14% in Ingham County, upwards of 8,000 new cases are reported daily, and the number of hospitalizations has tripled in the last few weeks. While KI remains open and continues to offer hybrid services, extra caution is needed now. To provide additional protection, we have purchased air purifiers to filter the air in the sanctuary and the social hall.
KI’s Reopening Committee would like to remind the congregation of the need to stay properly distanced and properly masked. Our guidelines are based on the following facts:
Covid-19 has been found to be spread primarily through the air, in both droplets and in aerosolized particles that can remain suspended in air for some time.
The primary repository of the virus in humans is in the nasal tract.
Completely asymptomatic people can both carry and transmit the virus to others.
The virus can live in the nasal tracts of fully vaccinated individuals, even if they do not become ill from it. They can become transmitters if they are not properly masked.
Short of total isolation, we are all potential carriers of the virus.
Immunization, including boosters, has been proven to mitigate the clinical incidence and severity of the disease, but in no way guarantees that one is virus-free. Those with immunity challenges are still vulnerable to severe disease or death even if immunized.
70% of KI members are over 60 years of age. With increasing age, the immune response is less strong.
The proper wearing of masks is reasonably protective against both catching and spreading the virus, particularly the N-95 and K-95 masks. The masks must cover both nose and mouth to prevent aerosolized particles from escaping to the surrounding environment.
Social distancing also lessens the risk of transmission. This is difficult to achieve in practice, but is more important indoors than outdoors. Thus the need to wear masks at all times while inside KI, with the only exception being the ability to observe the ritual of taking a sip of wine or juice and eating a bit of challah for kiddush. As soon as this is done, masks should be replaced while visiting with others.
It is hoped that by mid-January 2022 the KI schoolchildren will be able to meet the requirement of being fully vaccinated and therefore again be welcomed to the building, while wearing masks.
The KI Reopening Committee (Liz Kaufman, Nigel Paneth, Jon Gold, Rachel Amber, Neil Gordon, and Rabbi Matthew Kaufman)