Important Covid Update from Holy Blossom Temple – A Continued Welcome Back!
As the Province continues to reopen and ease restrictions, Temple leadership, as advised by the Covid Cabinet and medical professionals, will be continuing to move forward with a careful return to congregational life. As of Friday, March 18, we are thrilled to further update our protocols as follows:
What to Bring at the Door (short version)
- A big green checkmark (phone or paper) from filling out the COVID Screening form properly the day of your visit
- All those 5 years old and up will be asked to confirm via the household form that they are fully vaccinated (2 COVID-19 approved vaccines plus 2 weeks from the last vaccine), however, proof will no longer be required to be shown upon entry.
- MANDATORY properly fitted mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin for everyone 2 years old and up:
- A well-fitted surgical mask, N95 (or kn95) mask is recommended
- For those who arrive without a mask, HBT will provide surgical masks
Please note the following CHANGES to our Covid protocols as of March 18, 2022
- Our building is open to visitors for services, programs, and meetings with the following protocols in place and the entry process has been simplified. Vaccinations continue to be required and confirmed via the covid assessment form, but proof and ID will no longer be required at the door.
- Multi-access (“hybrid”) Kabbalat Shabbat & Shabbat Morning Services continue with Shabbat services for congregants and guests. All are encouraged to participate by joining in person and staying after services to mask & mingle or join for Kiddush lunch. The Livestream will continue to be offered.
- Masks, distancing, pre-screening, and vaccinations for all those eligible to be vaccinated (5 years old and up) will be required to enter Temple. Please visit https://holyblossom.org/calendar-2/ for calendar details.
- MANDATORY properly fitted mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin for everyone 2 years old and up:
- A well-fitted surgical mask, N95 (or kn95) mask is recommended, but not required
- For those who arrive without a mask, HBT will provide surgical masks.
- Children under 5 who are ineligible to be vaccinated are welcome – all those 2 years old and up are required to wear a mask and social distancing preferences will be respected.
- Our congregational “Mask & Mingle in the Atrium” gives an opportunity to everyone to meet and greet in a masked environment.
- Beginning in April, our B’nei Mitzvah families will still be able to invite up to 100 guests for Shabbat services.
- Private Simcha luncheons are being offered with more flexibility to families in the private event space.
- Shacharit Bagels have returned and Congregational Kiddush will returns starting on March 19, 2022, and will be held on the lower level in the “food zone” for the time being.
- Holy Blossom employees have a significant presence in the building to create and support vibrant congregational life. Professionals whose roles allow for it also have the option of working from home from time to time as part of a hybrid model. Rapid antigen testing will be provided in certain circumstances as an additional screening measure.
- Weekday & Sunday morning (Shacharit) Services will be multi-access (“hybrid”) with in-person worship in the Herman Chapel as well as the option to join online via Zoom.
- Volunteers who wish to hold a meeting at the Temple are welcome to do so. Arrangements must be made well in advance with the Temple Office, so we can be sure to have all protocols maintained and all tech support prepared for you.
Please note the CONTINUATION of these health and safety practices
- Weekday Evening (Maariv) Services will take place online only via Zoom for both service leaders and congregants.
- Our Early Childhood Centre (ECC) will continue to operate with enhanced safety measures. Detailed communications are sent to all ECC families.
- Our Youth Education Centre (YEC) for children and teens is running in-person classes with the option of joining online as arranged by our School Principal. Detailed communications are sent to all YEC families.
- Physical distancing will continue to be respected for those who wish.
- Screening will be required for entry.
- For select services and programs where capacity may be a concern, pre-registration will be required.
- Rigorous cleaning will continue throughout the building.
- We encourage all who are eligible for vaccination to do so at your earliest opportunity, including pediatric vaccines and boosters/3rd doses for adults.
