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Talmud Torah of Minneapolis

COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and Policy 2022-23

Updated August 2022

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OVERVIEW

Talmud Torah’s COVID-19 plan follows guidelines set by the CDC’s COVID-19 Guidance for Schools and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and is informed by Hennepin County case rates. 

 

We have come to these guidelines through research, consultation with medical professionals, dialogue with our partner synagogues, Beth El and Adath, and benchmarking against several Twin Cities schools. We will continue to evaluate the COVID landscape and consider whether protocol changes are warranted. Any changes will be communicated to the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis community via email and our website will be updated accordingly.

 

MASKING

  • Masks are optional for students, staff and visitors for both interior and exterior.  It is highly recommended for those that may have been exposed to COVID-19, and everyone in our community when case rates are particularly high.

  • Masks are required for those who have been COVID-19 positive and are within 10 days from day 1 of COVID-19 positive per CDC guidelines.

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VACCINATION

  • Consistent with Jewish law that we take care of our community, and policies in place at both Beth El and Adath, Talmud Torah expects that all eligible faculty, staff, and students be vaccinated against COVID-19, including the booster shot(s) if eligible. 

 

HAND HYGIENE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING

  • Everyone entering the JCC Education Wing during Talmud Torah will be asked to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer regularly.

  • Utilize hand sanitizing stations, located at all entrances and throughout the school, upon coming and going.

  • All Talmud Torah community activities will continue to take place following CDC-recommended safety guidelines. 

  • The facility's mechanical system has had upgrades in response to the pandemic.

 

COVID-19 TESTING

  • Regular testing for COVID-19 has proven to be an effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  We continue to encourage testing for those who may have been exposed to or experiencing any symptoms.

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RESPONDING TO COVID + CASES

  • Employees and families must promptly report COVID-positive cases to contactus@talmudtorahmpls.org.

  • If test positive, follow CDC guidelines, for isolation requirements. Talmud Torah will generally be following MDH and CDC quarantine and post-exposure testing recommendations, but we may request a more stringent quarantine period if the circumstances warrant. However, it is our intention to keep as much in-person learning as possible while keeping the health of our community at the forefront.

  • We encourage families to consult the MDH decision tree if a household member is experiencing COVID-related symptoms.

  • In the event of a reported COVID-positive case, Talmud Torah will notify families so that they may monitor for symptoms. 

  • If it is determined a student or staff member has been in close contact to a COVID+ person and they are fully vaccinated, no quarantine is required per current MDH recommendations. However, the exposed should get tested 5-7 days after the exposure, should continue monitoring for symptoms, and are encouraged to wear masks.

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PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Children, faculty, staff and visitors should not enter the facility if they are experiencing any of the following COVID-19 symptoms:

    • Fever or chills

    • Cough

    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

    • Fatigue

    • Muscle or body aches

    • Headache

    • New loss of taste or smell

    • Sore throat

    • Congestion or runny nose

    • Nausea or vomiting

    • Diarrhea

  • Family and students should follow all CDC guidelines regarding testing and quarantining if there has been a known or possible exposure to COVID-19.

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Talmud Torah of Minneapolis reserves the right to make updates to this policy as conditions warrant.

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We recognize that no single plan or protocol is perfect or can guarantee safety for all. We ask you to remember that, when it comes to providing our students and staff with a safe environment for Jewish learning, we are all in this together.

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