This document is an update to the Agudath Israel FAQs sent March 9. The prior recommendations are emphatically reiterated, and bear review here. In brief: · It is our halachic duty to take this situation seriously, but calmly. This is serious, but know that the overwhelming majority of those with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) recover without incident. · These general guidelines must be adjusted to local conditions on the ground and the rapidly changing circumstances. Orthodox communities experiencing an increased number of cases must take precautions beyond those recommended below. Even communities with no cases should heed the precautions recommended below, due to the interlinked nature of our communities and contagious nature of COVID-19. The goal is to prevent, not deal with cases after the fact. We need to establish a uniform baseline of precaution throughout our communities, or the virus will exploit the weakest communal link. · Those over 50 or 60, those with cardiovascular disease (including high blood pressure), diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or certain other chronic or immunocompromised conditions, are especially vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. All such people should take precautions beyond those listed below. Those who care for, or have close interaction with such individuals, should also adopt a more careful approach. · If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat, STAY HOME. Call your physician. This includes anyone with a fever or a cough without another known cause. · Proper hygiene practices are A MUST. See here. 1. In light of new recommendations by the health authorities, what additional steps should Orthodox communities be taking to slow the spread of COVID-19? Social distancing. In addition to not shaking hands, the CDC and local authorities are now recommending that we maintain a healthy distance from each other. 2. What social distancing steps have the health authorities recommended or required to prevent COVID-19? On March 12, the CDC released new guidance detailing social avoidance strategies depending on setting and local outbreak levels. In New York State, events of 500 or more individuals must be cancelled or postponed, effective March 13, at 5 pm. Gatherings of less than 500 individuals are required to cut capacity by 50% of their building’s capacity, with exceptions for schools, hospitals, public buildings, mass transit, grocery stores and retail stores. In other words, if a shul is approved for occupancy of 200 people, it may now only be occupied by 100 people. Finally, only medically necessary visits will be allowed at nursing homes. New Jersey has recommended the cancellation of all gatherings of 250 or more individuals. Ohio has closed all public and private schools for the next few weeks and will limit visitation to nursing homes. Other states are taking different measures. Of course, it is required to comply with state or local governmental requirements on this matter. 3. Should shuls and community organizations cancel their upcoming events or gatherings such as annual dinners, weekly kiddushim, seudos shlishis and various social gatherings? These are halachically discretionary events. Given the current circumstances, we urge a shul’s Rav or Rebbe to strongly reconsider having them, especially if it entails people sitting close to each other. 4. Does that mean shuls should close? Tefilah betzibur and krias haTorah are definitive requirements and an important component of Jewish life. […]

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