Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

BCRC Response:

To do our part to address this situation, scheduled activities at BCRC were  transitioned to remote delivery until further notice.  As we begin to reopen our facility, strict health related measures will be put in place. 

We have procured specialized equipment/supplies such as hand sanitizer stations, and no touch hand towel dispensers for the bathrooms.  Space has been prepared for social distancing and to minimize need to touch surfaces. Seating in family groupings 6 feet apart, bemah and risers removed to promote distancing and other distancing measures and steps to minimize touching of surfaces.

A strict protocol is being put in place for in-person events, which will include the following:

• IAW Forward Virginia recommendations, will clean/disinfect all high contact surfaces before/after each use
• Signage at entry to caution that any persons with elevated temperature, other symptoms or recent exposure to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 may not enter
• Masks required IAW governor’s order
• Attendance limited to amount that can be accommodated in socially distanced seating arrangement (approx. 30 for regular setup, 60 for full space)
• Attendees must register to attend to prevent crowding – no walk-ins allowed.
• Attendees sign in to facilitate contact tracing – to avoid common touching of pens/pencils, Board greeter will sit behind plexiglass screen to protect attendee, and sign them in. 
• 6 foot social distancing advised – floors will be marked with tape at entry and hall to promote spacing.
• Doors propped open to reduce touching of common surfaces
• Hand sanitizer stations will be set up, including a no-touch dispenser.
• To protect against spread of virus particles through singing, plexiglass barriers will be placed around the cantorial soloist.
• Prayer books: Box set out to deposit books for storage for at least one week after use, to prevent any possible live virus spread
• ‘Use a kippah, keep a kippah’: If you would like to use a temple kippah, you are to keep it for personal use.
• No tallit will be provided – if attendees wish to use must bring their own. Exception for Kol Nidre service – tallit to be laundered afterward (this is already done each year so no added cost)
• Shared food suspended until further notice – kitchen off limits to attendees
• Honors at in-person services will be limited to lighting of Shabbat candles at socially distanced table. All other honors will be suspended to promote distancing and prevent touching of common surfaces and objects

"I imagine all the closures and cancellations give people a sense of ominousness. But it's really an amazing act of social solidarity: We're sacrificing so we can give nurses, doctors and hospitals a fighting chance. Start from there and hopefully we can figure out the rest." - Matt Pearce, National Corresondent, Los Angeles Times