Dear Ones,

The Reopening Task Force is watching the rapidly rising case numbers in our region, and anticipating a compounding effect from holiday travel. Schools, daycare centers, and neighboring congregations are experiencing staff and volunteer shortages as people either fall ill or are caring for loved ones who are ill, and we should be prepared for the possibility that the same could happen at WES. Indeed, we have heard of a mild positive case within the WES community. We have a very high vaccination rate as a community, and so we remain hopeful that infections among us would lead to asymptomatic or mild versions of COVID. At the same time, we seek to prevent spread to our most vulnerable community members, and there are simply limits to what we can do with the number of volunteers and staff we have available. 

We are not alone in our concern. Mayor Bowser issued an update on December 20 showing increasing cases and reinstating the indoor mask mandate. The Mayor followed with an update on December 22, requiring vaccinations to enter several types of private establishments (organizations like WES are not included in this order). Several neighboring congregations have moved programming online for the holiday season or through the end of January. COVID Act Now evaluates the District of Columbia as being at the top of the “severe risk” range, with the increased caseload curve resembling a vertical line. 

For all of these reasons, the Reopening Task Force has decided to move January Platforms online. On January 2, all speakers, volunteers, and attendees will participate remotely. Given what we already know about travel plans, the rate at which cases are increasing, and the likelihood that key volunteers and staff will need to isolate in the coming weeks, we do not anticipate having enough people to offer Platform in person. As a reminder, there will be no Platform on December 26. We hope you will join us on Zoom on January 2 at 10:30 for the “Fire Celebration,” a Platform about letting go of the past and setting intentions for the future. 

The Reopening Task Force has not yet made a determination about returning to hybrid Platform in February. We will be evaluating data about the effect of Omicron on vaccinated people, and checking in with staff and key volunteers about their health and their ability to sustain programming. Respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person is a core value, and we will not be asking staff or volunteers to appear in person if they feel unwell for any reason or if they feel the personal risk is too great. 

There is some possibility that smaller groups such as OWL and Coming of Age might meet in person, even if there are further adjustments in the safety plan for Platform. Modifications such as outdoor meetings will be considered. The Reopening Task Force will confer on January 4 to decide on the protocols for the January 8-9 COA class, January 9 OWL class, and January 9 grades 3-5 SEEK class. 

We realize that late-breaking changes in plans are stressful and disappointing. Volunteers, staff, and members have done an amazing job so far of being flexible, of learning new things, and of remembering that our shared purpose is more important than doing things the way we always did before COVID. Let’s continue to stick together and get through this difficult time as a community. 

In Care,

The Reopening Task Force

Trang Duong, Kate Lang, Hannah Urrey, Jeff Weinfeld

With assistance from Lyn Cox & Tom Hutton