Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• Effective immediately, Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation (BCRC) will require face masks be worn while inside our facility only for religious school.
  • Lifting of mask requirement is based on new CDC guidance issued February 25, 2022. Loudoun County is now experiencing a “low” level of impact which allows us to initiate this change.
• Please be respectful of people’s choice to either wear or not wear a mask in our facility.
• Streaming option will be available for those unable to attend services in person. 
• Please follow latest CDC guidelines for quarantine for symptomatic persons and close contacts. We ask that you treat any cold or flu-like symptoms as being a possible COVID case for these purposes, regardless of test results. See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html for full details.
• BCRC congregants have done their part by getting vaccinated. Vaccines augmented by boosters continue to offer you a high degree of protection against infection, and if you do get infected they protect against severe illness. Now that vaccines are authorized for children age 5 and over we highly encourage you to make sure they are vaccinated, and that you receive a booster once you are eligible.

Masking guidelines:

•  For those choosing to wear a mask, the CDC recommends that wearing a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you, is an effective part of a layered prevention strategy. Respirator mass such as N95, KN95, or KF94 masks provide the highest level of protection.
• Scientific study has shown that wearing of one of these type of masks can provide as much or greater protection to the wearer than that provided by two people wearing cloth masks.
• For children, an adult mask may not provide proper fit. One alternative is child size surgical masks, available on Amazon or at drug stores.  These can be coupled with a cloth mask. Make sure the mask fits well and is comfortable enough that your  child. won't remove it. Keep in mind: The best mask for a child is one that they keep on the whole time!
• See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html for current recommendations.

Religious School:

• Religious school will continue to follow the protocols in effect for the Loudoun County School District, with the exception that we will  continue with mandatory  masking through Spring Break (Apr 3). At that time we will  reevaluate protocols based on data from local schools and community and will inform you of any changes before school starts again on Apr 24.
• Quarantine: BCRC follows Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) policies for quarantines of students and staff who are identified as 'close contacts'  of an infected person. Click here to see details.
• For any students currently in a COVID related quarantine at an LCPS school, we will ask that parents keep those children home from BCRC religious school during the time covered by the quarantine.
• Staff vaccination policy: Consistent with LCPS policy and in the interest of safety for students attending our school who are too young to be vaccinated, all teachers should either be fully vaccinated or should submit a negative COVID test weekly.

Food Service:

• In-person food service is allowable as long as masking remains optional.
• B’nai mitzvah families may now plan to serve an in-person oneg at Erev Shabbat or Shabbat services at their discretion.
• More information on food service and onegs to be provided.