Information to Accompany the Reopening Team Video Update
Dear WES Community,
We on the WES Reopening Team have been keeping a close eye on the surge in COVID cases and the available public health data. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to view the message we have prepared. Here are the highlights:
The Delta Variant
The Delta variant of COVID is a significant concern. There is a lot we do not yet know, but we do know that it is possible for vaccinated people to contract it and spread it to other people. We don’t yet know what the risks might be of long COVID or of lingering or returning symptoms from the Delta variant. Between the uncertainties and the rising case numbers, especially pediatric case numbers, there is cause for caution.
Recommitting to the WES Plan
Therefore, we are recommitting to the WES Reopening Plan, which guides our shared activities to keep pace with the risk level in the DC metro area. We use the COVID Act Now website to gather information about caseloads, hospitalizations, and other relevant statistics. As of this writing on August 13, the DC metro area is at a “high” risk level, illustrated on the charts in orange.
Outdoor Events
At our current risk level, according to the WES Reopening Plan, almost all of our operations are virtual. Outdoor events are still possible. Even at outdoor gatherings, please wear a well-fitting mask, as is currently required in Washington, D.C. and some of the surrounding communities. Please also maintain social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene. Given that outdoor activities carry a lower risk than indoor activities (though still some risk), we are most likely going ahead with the all-member cookout in Rock Creek Park on August 21. That may change if the DC metro area enters the “severe risk” level by that time. Please check your email on August 19 for an update about that event. In addition, we welcome member initiative with planning outdoor activities such as service projects and back yard Neighborhood Circle gatherings.
Postponing Hybrid Platform
New COVID cases are increasing rapidly, and so we will have to adjust our expectations about the timeline for returning to the building for Platform. When cases were low and we expected to be on track for containment by this time, we hoped to be able to have small groups of attendees test out our new hybrid Platform model by the end of September. That is no longer possible. The Tech Team continues to recruit and train new members and to install new equipment so that we will be ready to welcome members into the building when it is safe to do so. That day has not yet arrived. The Reopening Task Force will meet more frequently as new information is coming in, and we will update our plans with the latest reliable scientific information.
Deepening Circles & TIE Groups
One update we have made to the WES Reopening Plan is to continue to allow small, closed groups of vaccine-eligible adults to meet at members’ homes while we remain in the “high risk” category. A closed group has a consistent, stable membership and does not advertise for drop-in participants. If your closed group (such as a Deepening Circle or TIE Group) decides to meet in person, please ensure the agreement and comfort of every member and do not pressure those who find the risk of in-person contact too great. Please remain masked and meet outdoors if possible. While in-person gatherings of vaccinated people do still carry some risk, that risk is mitigated by the small size of these groups. We also hope that closed groups will have developed the care and trust necessary to report any symptoms of illness immediately and to avoid attending if you have any symptoms or recent contact with someone with COVID. The risk of small group gatherings is calculated against the need for support and connection that is provided in these groups, while limiting the potential spread to a few people.
Community Care
We understand and share a wide range of the emotions members may be feeling as we absorb news about the Delta variant. We had hoped to be in a different place by now, but we know our community will get through this time. Vaccines are saving lives. We have learned a great deal about how to be creative in our support for one another. We are glad to be part of a community like WES, where we care for each other, respect science, and work toward the common good.
If you have any questions about the Reopening Plan, please reach out to us at WESreopeningteam@ethicalsociety.org or have another look at the plan here. Meanwhile, please mask up, wash your hands, and take care of yourself.
Yours In Love & Justice,
WES Reopening Team
Jeff Weinfeld, Hannah Urrey, Kate Lang, Trang Duong
With staff representatives Tom Hutton and Lyn Cox