Blog

3/21/2020

DEAR TEMPLE ISRAEL FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

In addition to the two preschool teachers that tested positive this past week for COVID-19, two other teachers have also tested positive. Teacher #3's last day in the building was on March 12; she is at home recovering and the family is self-quarantining. The fourth teacher's last day in the building was on March 9; she is no longer symptomatic. It has also come to our attention that the preschool parent who tested positive last week attended the Purim Carnival on March 8; he is recovering at home. The Education Center's last day in operation was Thursday, March 12.

Based on the Health Department's reporting on the growing number of those who've tested positive, it is likely there will be additional cases throughout St. Louis. You can count on us to continue to share critical information that has a direct impact on your ability to stay safe. However, we believe that continued reporting of potential new cases is not helpful for our public health or well-being. We urge you, whether experiencing symptoms or not, to strictly follow the most current recommendations from the Health Department. Please see our last Temple communication below, which includes links and information on how to continue to take necessary precautions, or click here to view up-to-date information from St. Louis County.

Temple Israel's Board of Trustees has made the decision to close the Education Center (preschool and Temple Israel Religious School and Hebrew School) through May 15 (the end of the school year). Instead, teachers will be sharing educational materials with their students to keep them engaged and learning throughout this extended closure. We'll continue to update you on summer camp and school building construction plans. As of right now, we're planning to move forward with both as long as regulations permit.

Our continued thanks to each and every one of you for your support and solidarity. We will get through this together. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at any time.

Your Temple Israel family,
Rabbi Amy Feder afeder@ti-stl.org
Rabbi Michael Alper malper@ti-stl.org
Louise Losos, President president@ti-stl.org  
Rachel Wallis Andreasson, Executive Director randreasson@ti-stl.org  
Leslie Wolf, Director of Family Education lwolf@ti-stl.org  

3/19/2020

DEAR TEMPLE ISRAEL FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
We were contacted by the St. Louis County Health Department who informed us that two DECC preschool teachers and one preschool parent tested positive for COVID-19. With direction from the Health Department and a top infectious disease doctor from Washington University School of Medicine, we shared immediate information with our Education Center families as advised. After speaking with some other community experts, we've been able to gather the necessary information to make informed decisions on our next steps as a community.

Here's what we know
·     Both teachers and the parent are recovering well and that parent's child(ren) are not symptomatic (HIPAA regulations prevent disclosure of identity)
·     Teacher #1's last time in the building was March 6, teacher #2 was March 11
·     The St. Louis County Health Department has investigated the teachers' and parent's points of contact, and the department will be, or already has been, in communication with anyone who may have potentially been exposed

How to take precaution
We understand that this is a lot to process as a community; it is not our intent to cause any panic by sharing that news, but to keep everyone informed and provide accurate information that can best address concerns. Based on the questions we're receiving, the protocol from health professionals are as follows:
·     Extra measures beyond what is recommended for everyone in St. Louis County — such as self-quarantine or isolation — are not being advised at this time due to these test results. If you or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms, contact your doctor.
·     Continue to follow the most up-to-date recommendations from St. Louis County at: www.stlcorona.com  
·     If you have questions, concerns, or think you may need to be tested for COVID-19, there's a Missouri coronavirus hotline set up for the community: 1-877-435-8411

Preventative measures for our TI community
·     Our Education Center building is currently closed. We are going to provide remote education and learning resources to our students.  During this time, we will be doing a hospital-grade cleaning throughout the building. We'll keep everyone informed as to when the building may reopen. 
·     Our Temple building is closed to the public. Staff will be working remotely and we are putting together a system so that we're able to answer calls, process payments, check the mail, and continue to serve our community. We'll keep everyone informed as to when the building may reopen. 

If you need emotional or spiritual support through these uncertain times
As your Jewish community and extended family, we are available whenever you need us to talk, to pray, to say Mi Shebeirach, or just to be available for you. If you'd like to connect for these reasons or any others, please don't hesitate to reach directly to us. Our email addresses are at the bottom of this email, and we are quick to respond.

If you need household items, financial assistance, mental health or medical attention
If you have a limited social network and need support in any of these areas, there are resources to help. Reach out directly to Rabbi Amy at afeder@ti-stl.org or click here for a list of contacts.

How to connect with your Tl community from home
·     Live stream Friday night Shabbat services: www.ti-stl.org/Watch 
·     Get the most up-to-date information from TI and enjoy articles, videos, photos, and more with our weekly eNews (if you're receiving this email, you also get our eNews on Monday morning)
·     Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
·     Connect with our Rabbis, lay leaders, or staff for anything that you may need here

This is an unprecedented situation and we are working hard to communicate with you as quickly as we possibly can. The situation seems to change day-by-day here in St. Louis, and all over the world, and we ask for you understanding and solidarity.

Thank you for your support and patience as we move through this uncharted territory together as a community.
L'shalom,
Rabbi Amy Feder afeder@ti-stl.org 
Rabbi Michael Alper malper@ti-stl.org 
Louise Losos, President president@ti-stl.org 
Rachel Andreasson, Executive Director randreasson@ti-stl.org 
Leslie Wolf, Director of Family Education lwolf@ti-stl.org