At the Pozez JCC, we have the safety and continued good health of our members and staff at the forefront of our operations.
We continually stay abreast of guidelines for vaccines, mask-wearing, physical/social distancing, and cleaning. Our upgraded HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system allows us to maximize fresh air exchanges and features MERV 13 filters to optimize the air quality inside the building. In addition, the J installed a bipolar ionization system that kills 99% of the virus in occupied spaces. We work hard to make the J one of the safest places in Fairfax.
In addition to incorporating guidance from experts in the field of fitness and wellness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local governments, we engaged Global Engineering Solutions to advise us on specific preventive measures the J can implement to keep our community safe. Additionally, we have established a health advisory committee comprised of professionals in public health policy here in Fairfax County. We are confident that we are taking the right approach to open a safe and healthy environment where our community will feel comfortable and welcomed.
Please review thefollowingpolicies and procedures so you are familiar with the expectations of our guests prior to your arrival. It will make for a smooth and seamless admission to the J.
VACCINE POLICIES
The Pozez JCCdoes not require proof of COVID vaccination for members, guests, visitors, rentals or other program participants.
Staff are required to show proof of being "fully vaccinated" (which includes 2 doses and a booster) as part of our hiring practices.
Children attending our Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) will continue to have the COVID-19vaccinerequirement as part of their required immunizations in order to attend our program.
NOTES:
- Our vaccination policies and COVID-19 procedures are implemented as open-ended, with any changes or reversals informed by updates relating to infection rates, transmission data, variant developments, and local, state, or federal regulations.
- For Pozez JCC programs that are held off-campus,we adhere to whatever policy is in place in the venue in which we are holding a program.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
The Pozez JCC has implemented and maintains security procedures and practices to protect against the unauthorized access, use, modification, destruction, or disclosure of your personal identifiable information (PII).
As a community center, the Pozez JCC is not a covered entity with regard to HIPAA and thereforeâis not bound by its Privacy Rule. The Privacy Rule also does not prohibit an individual from choosing to share with any entity their personal (and dependent) vaccination information/status.
The Pozez JCC recognizes its responsibility to protect the personal identifiable information of its members, staff, and guests including. Access to the information is limited to staff with a need to know in order to provide excellent services and programming to our members and guests.
MASK-WEARING POLICIES
Wearing a mask is optional for all areas of the Pozez JCC. In addition, those attending Pozez JCC programs throughout the community also have the choice whether to wear a mask.
ENHANCED CLEANING:
• Throughout the day, J-FIT HEALTH CLUB support staff and our maintenance staff are equipped with disinfectant spray bottles and towels for regular cleaning of all high-touch surfaces with EPA-listed disinfectant.
• Comprehensive deep cleaning and disinfecting processes are being implemented in the J-FIT HEALTH CLUB and throughout the J each evening.
• Additional hand sanitizing and cleaning stations have been installed. These stations provide disinfecting products for members to apply before and after using the equipment.
Community Messages
Updated: March 1, 2022
Dear J Family,
As promised from the start of the pandemic, our leadership team is committed to following the science and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and Fairfax County in establishing coronavirus policies that we believe will keep our community as safe as possible.
On February 4, 2022, we instituted a vaccine requirement that all members and guests ages 5 and older entering the building and/or attending offsite programs, must provide proof of vaccination. Thanks to our supportive commUNITY, adherence to this policy has gone very smoothly.
Given that Fairfax County and all surrounding counties are at a LOW community level according to the new CDC metrics announced last week, effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, wearing a mask will be optional for all areas of the Pozez JCC with the exception of the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). In addition, those attending Pozez JCC programs throughout the community will also have the choice whether to wear a mask.
The mask mandate currently remains in place for anyone entering the ECLC while we await further guidance from the Virginia Department of Health and FFX County health department. Upon receipt of that guidance and following a thorough review of the operational implications, a communication will be sent directly to ECLC families with any updates to masking policies.
As per this new policy, whether our members and guests choose to wear a mask or not while in the non-ECLC parts of the building or attending an offsite Pozez JCC program will be their personal decision unless changes happen in the level of COVID in the community or at the J. Regardless of the choices being made, we want the JCC to be an inclusive and respectful place that honors everyone’s preferences. To that end, although staff will not be required to wear masks, except when within the ECLC wing, they will be prepared to don a mask if requested by a member or guest.
As a reminder, we ask that members and guests who plan to come to the JCC or attend any of its offsite programs continue to provide a copy of your vaccination card ahead of your attendance by emailing igotmyshot@theJ.org. In addition, if you are not feeling well, please stay at home to reduce the risk of spreading any viruses—COVID or otherwise.
As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to follow the science and monitor community levels provided by the CDC to inform our health and safety policies. In addition, should we identify substantial increases in cases here at the J, we reserve the right to reassess our policies and make changes as needed.
We thank you for your continued trust in and support of the Pozez JCC as we evaluate and implement policies in step with the science and the rapidly changing norms.
Stay safe. Be well,
Susan Kristol, President
Jeff Dannick, Executive Director
Amy Brinko, Associate Executive Director
Updated: February 11, 2022
Dear friends of the J,
In our continued efforts to keep our J family and commUNITY safe, we appreciate the many hundreds of members who have presented and submitted, via iGotMyShot@theJ.org, their COVID-19 proof of vaccination status. Your being proactive in providing the data has resulted in smooth entry for the majority of members and guests coming to the J each day.
It has now been a week since implementing the vaccination requirement and we'd like to share some information and updates on our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Members of the Pozez JCC who have not yet provided their proof of vaccination:
We know that there are some members of the Pozez JCC who have not been to our facility in person for a long time. We are grateful for your continued support of the J. When the time comes that you are ready to return for in person programming and events, please note that you will be required to show your proof of vaccination to participate in any on- or offsite programming. We recommend that you upload your vax card in advance by emailing a copy to iGotMyShot@theJ.org.
Members who bring guests to the Pozez JCC:
A reminder that anyone who enters the J must show proof of vaccination. If you bring family members who are in from out of town for the weekend, or a sibling who has been away at college, or a long-lost high school friend who wants to workout with you, they must be vaccinated to enter. No exceptions. No proof - no entry.
Children who are eligible for vaccines:
As of February 4, 2022, all children (ages 5 and older) who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine must demonstrate proof of vaccination in order to participate in Pozez JCC programs. This includes ECLC, Chai 5 afterschool programming, Growing Jewish Families programs, swim lessons, camp, and any other program held off- and onsite at the J.
We are closely watching recent developments for children under the age of 5 years old and will provide updated guidance when the time warrants.
Exemptions:
Medical and religious exemptions submitted in writing will be considered and documentation will be required.
A safe space for all:
We know that vaccines are not guaranteed protection against the coronavirus and its variants, but they are one very important tool we can use for keeping members, guests, and employees as safe as possible. With each carefully considered change to our health and safety policies, we have received many kind responses from members who appreciate the Pozez JCC's efforts to create a safe space where they can nourish their minds, bodies, and souls.
Thank you for choosing to be part of our commUNITY. B’yachad (together) we will keep each other safe and healthy.
Shabbat shalom,
Jeff Dannick, Executive Director
Amy Brinko, Associate Executive Director
Updated: January 27, 2022
Dear J Family,
Earlier this month, we notified the community that in our continued efforts to keep the commUNITY safe and healthy, the Pozez JCC will implement a vaccine requirement beginning February 4, 2022. The new procedures require that all members and guests ages 5 and older entering the building and/or attending offsite programs, must provideproof of vaccination.
This policy goes into effect next Friday, February 4. In advance of that implementation date, we are encouraging everyone who will attend Pozez JCC programs—both on- and off-site—to proactively submit a copy of your vaccination card in advance of the policy’s enforcement toigotmyshot@theJ.org. This will help to reduce delays at the front entrance while the J’s staff enter vaccination information into the system. The more data that is pre-registered, the better the process will be for everyone.
To be clear,anyonewho is entering the building for programs and/or to drop-off or pick-up children from the ECLC, Chai 5, social skills classes, swim lessons, etc., will be required to show proof of vaccination.
If you are not a dues-paying member and anticipate coming to the J on a regular or occasional basis, we recommend signing up for our freeJ-Pass membership. This no-fee membership will ensure smooth access into the J’s building and programs once your contact and vaccination data is entered into the system. Note: You are able to register for the J-Pass by completing the form (link above). In order to receive a J-Pass ID swipe card, a photo must be taken by the Guest Services Associate at the J’s welcome desk.
Updated: January 4, 2022
Dear J Family,
Throughout our region, there has been a dramatic increase in COVID-19. This is consistent with other areas of the country and throughout the world. In our continued efforts to monitor the trends and keep our commUNITY safe and healthy, the Pozez JCC will implement a vaccine requirement beginning February 4, 2022. The new procedures will require that members and guests ages 5 and older entering the building provide proof of vaccination. And, as recently announced, all staff will be required to show proof of a booster vaccine as they become eligible.
Implementation will follow this projected timeline:
January 4, 2022:
Notify the community regarding updated COVID-19 vaccination requirements and procedures.
January 5, 2022:
Begin collecting member one-time proof of vaccination information.
An individual’s COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card can be presented at the J’s Guest Services Desk (at the front entrance) or emailed to IGOTMYSHOT@theJ.org.
Data will be held in confidence.
February 4, 2022:
Vaccine requirement: Deadline for members ages 5 and older to show one-time proof of the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the one dose J&J vaccine for entry into the building.
March 18, 2022:
Vaccine requirement: Deadline for members ages 5 and older to show one-time proof of the second doses of Pfizer & Moderna vaccines for entry into the building.
Notes:
-Our vaccination policies and COVID-19 procedures are implemented as open-ended, with any changes or reversals informed by updates relating to infection rates, transmission data, variant developments, and local, state, or federal regulations.
-Face masks are required at all times in shared spaces at the J. In addition, we encourage you to upgrade to a high-filtration mask like an N-95, a KN95 or a KF94.
While we recognize that not everyone will agree with these policies, it has become clear that our community’s health is better served when the science is followed, and everyone becomes vaccinated. Having a large number of unvaccinated people worldwide allows the pandemic to continue and the virus to mutate. Our commitment to commUNITY and our Jewish values frame everything we do. Since the onset of the pandemic, our policies have been informed by incorporating guidance from experts in the field of fitness and wellness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local governments. We believe these policies are necessary in order to keep our community safe and healthy. Similar mandates are being implemented by an increasing number of leading employers and service providers nationwide.
Thank you for your ongoing support of all COVID-19 policies at the J. We will continue to address the challenges of this pandemic and be stronger for having navigated them together.
Zei gezundt (be healthy, be well),
Susan Kristol, President
Jeff Dannick, Executive Director
Helpful Resources
What You Need to Know as COVID-19 Cases Rise | My Doctor Online (kaiserpermanente.org)
https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2021/12/28/cdc-announces-a-shortened-isolation-and-quarantine-period-for-general-population/
CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for
General Population | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC
Infected or Exposed to COVID-19? | Health (fairfaxcounty.gov)
Updated: December 26, 2021
As we enjoy this holiday season it is, unfortunately, experienced against a backdrop of Covid-19 and Omicron concerns that continue to challenge us. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Pozez JCC has vigilantly monitored and considered the impacts of the virus on our members, guests, and staff when establishing safety protocols. With that in mind, the following adjustments have been made to our current Covid-related policies:
To facilitate effective mask policy compliance, beginning Monday, December 27, all food and beverage consumption in the lobby and at Pozez JCC programs is temporarily suspended. (This does not apply to ECLC and Chai 5 lunch and snack for children).
In addition, all staff will be required to provide proof of booster vaccine as they become eligible, based on the date of the second dose of their initial vaccine (or single dose of J&J).
As heard in the news, cases of Covid-19 are likely going to keep surging as the omicron variant rapidly spreads across the globe. You'll find here a link to guidance provided by Fairfax County on when to isolate and when to quarantine. We encourage you to review the article to stay abreast of the guidance.
In the interest of the health and welfare of our commUNITY, thank you for your continued compliance to all Covid-19 protocols at the J.
Updated: August 11, 2021
Dear J-Family Members,
The commUNITY's health and safety is a top priority of the Pozez JCC. Keeping abreast of best practices during the ebb and flow of the pandemic, and implementing policies that help keep our members and guests as safe as possible, has been an important factor in keeping exposures low.
To that end, there have been several developments to our health and safety policies related to COVID-19 protections. As of Monday, August 9th, Fairfax County government instituted a mask requirement for all employees and visitors in its government facilities. The Pozez JCC will be aligning its mask policy with that of Fairfax County government in an effort to do everything possible to minimize the spread of the virus to members and staff. This shift in policy from a recommendation to a mandate for all members, guests, and visitors takes effect on Monday, August 16.
To ensure the safety of our commUNITY, even when mask requirements for members and guests were loosened, Pozez JCC staff have been required to wearmasks in public spaces throughout the J. Further, a vaccination mandate was also implemented for staff effective August 16, 2021. This policy requires that staff must be vaccinated unless there are religious or health reasons preventing them from doing so. In that instance, staff will be required to undergo frequent COVID-19 testing and provide proof of a negative result.
We want to thank you - our members, guests, and visitors - for supporting the J's efforts to keep the community safe by adhering to the new mask mandate. In addition, please continue to follow safety practices such as frequent hand washing and social distancing when able.
Best wishes for continued good health.
Susan Kristol
President
Jeff Dannick
Executive Director
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Link to Fairfax County Mandate:
Updated: December 11, 2020
Dear J Family,
We hope this letter finds you well as the nation and our community continue to cope with the impact of the pandemic.
On Thursday, December 10, Governor Northam announced new mitigation measures to slow COVID-19’s spread in our state. In essence, the new orders, which begin at 12:01am on December 14, include that Virginians should stay home each night from midnight-5am, wear masks in indoor and outdoor settings, and limit social gatherings to 10 people.
In accordance with the Governor’s orders, CDC guidelines, and guided by our Jewish values of Pikuach Nefesh (preservation of human life) and Shmirat HaGuf (caring for the body), the Pozez JCC has updated its policies to include the following:
Masks must be worn at all times when inside the Pozez JCC, including all facilities associated with the J-Fit Health Club, and Smith-Kogod Cultural Arts Center. In addition, face masks must be worn outdoors, anywhere on campus, when within 6 feet of another individual. Exceptions to this policy are when a person is alone in a room, while swimming, or showering. For the health and safety of our community, at all other times, face masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn with no exception.
The Pozez JCC takes its responsibility seriously to ensure, to the best of its ability, that the community visiting our facilities are kept safe from harm’s way. To that end, per the above, our policies relative to our J-Fit Health Club have been updated. You can review the revised policies by clicking here and scrolling down to the Mask Wearing Policies as of 12/14/20.
The updated policies are being put in place for the safety and well-being of our members and the community at large. We are mishpachah (family) and family takes care of each other. As you have seen from our earliest responses to the COVID-19 virus, the Pozez JCC will err on the side of caution to keep our community safe. We will, as always, continue to monitor the circumstances and make adjustments as needed. While we cannot eliminate all the risks, we are doing everything we can to minimize and mitigate them in order to make everyone feel safe in our facility.
Wishing you good health, joy, and light as we celebrate the miracle of Chanukah b’yachad (together).
Shabbat shalom,
Susan Kristol, President
Jeff Dannick, Executive Director
Updated: April 20, 2020
Dear J Family and Friends,
We are writing to our Pozez JCC community to update you on a change in conditions that has caused the J to take swift and significant personnel actions this week. As you recall, on March 13, the J announced it would close the buildings on its Fairfax campus and satellite program at Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria due to Fairfax County and state restrictions on educational operations. On March 23 Governor Northam also ordered the closure of nonessential businesses. Despite our closure, and the consequent loss of most of our expected revenue, we made the decision to keep almost all of our 200+ employees on payroll through the end of April. Since then, our staff has been doing great work learning new technology and creating online content to stay connected with our members and the broader community.
On the morning of April 3, the first day that applications were accepted, we applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the Small Business Administration. The loan is designed to provide money to retain employees on the payroll for up to 8 weeks. Unfortunately, we learned late last week that we are among the 800,000 small businesses in the United States that did not receive a PPP loan before the funds appropriated by Congress ran out.
Unlike certain other small businesses whose business model allows them to continue providing services outside their places of business, the J’s revenue streams are heavily dependent on person-to-person contact and programs operating inside the building or at other locations that are now shut down. Most of our revenue comes from tuition and fees arising from our Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), before-and-after-school childcare (BASE), the J-FIT Health Center, and Camp Achva—all very hands-on and people-intensive programs that have been suspended during the current health crisis.
Once we learned that we had not received the PPP loan, we realized that to sustain the organization financially through the next months (at least through Governor Northam’s current June 10 deadline), we had no choice but to furlough or layoff the bulk of our staff. They were notified of this decision on Monday morning. We have kept key employees who will ensure the security and integrity of our physical plant and who will maintain our online connection with the J community. Because our staff is like family to each other and to our members, the decision was tough and made with a heavy heart. The temporary restructure of our organization involved a thorough analysis of the operations that can be sustained during our “hibernation.” We very much hope that when we are past these difficulties, most of our staff will be able to return as operations gradually resume.
In thinking through what is possible and safe, and as conditions are fluid—changing day by day—evaluating the possibility of running Camp Achva and our ECLC programs this summer is a priority. We understand our camp and early childhood families would like answers and we hope to provide a decision soon. Please expect further communication from us on this topic in the near future.
Many of you have been very generous in continuing your membership payments and tuition, and in several cases going above and beyond to make additional substantial donations and to accelerate payment of your pledges. Your generosity, along with that of members of our Board and staff, and some welcome assistance from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, enabled us to remain at full employment through the month of April, though it was not sufficient to maintain full employment during an emergency of this magnitude. Federation is aware that despite our best efforts, we were not approved for a Federal loan. They have promised to assist us in this emergency, although they have many demands on their resources from other constituent agencies. We have been assured that our initial application is in the PPP loan queue if Congress appropriates more money.
Where do we go from here? We are proud of the excellence of our programs and the recent improvements to our physical facility and are actively engaged in planning for the time when we will be able to resume our in-person activities. In the meantime, we continue to evaluate programs that may be offered digitally in the short-term.
Nothing in America will look quite the same as we pass through this pandemic. We feel confident that as people re-emerge from homes and engage in activities that were important and enjoyable prior to COVID-19, that the J will be in a strong position to welcome our members, friends, and participants “home.” We hope that you will continue to maintain your membership and tuition payments, if that is possible for you, in order to help the J maintain operations during its hibernation period. Now, more than ever, we need to stay safe, stay strong, and get through this b’yachad (together).
B'shalom,
David Yaffe, President
Jeff Dannick, Executive Director
Updated: March 17, 2020 at 7:12pm
Dear J Family and Friends,
Today is Tuesday, March 17. It seems unthinkable that it was only five days ago, on Friday, March 13, that we announced that we would be closing the building effective Saturday, March 14, and that the ECLC, BASE, and J-FIT HEALTH CLUB, in concert with many school systems, fitness centers, and institutions around the nation, would not be open for a period of weeks beginning on Monday. We acknowledge that these are anxiety-producing times for everyone and that you are seeking answers to questions about membership, tuition, and solutions to your childcare needs during the disruptions of the pandemic.
As we move forward, we are guided above all by our Jewish value of caring for one another. The scientific information provided by local, state, and federal governments and the CDC informs our actions. For example, the CDC is recommending social distancing and avoiding meetings of more than 10 people. The safety and health of our membership is our main consideration.
In this unprecedented national crisis, we ask for your patience as we consult with our peer organizations around the country and evaluate all options relative to the financial sustainability of the J against the backdrop of the impact of this situation on members of our community. We will be convening an online meeting of the Pozez JCC Board of Directors on Monday, March 23, for discussion and decision making about a workable and equitable policy.We will share the results of this decision-making meeting as they become available.
Until then,
David Yaffe
President
Jeff Dannick
Executive Director
Updated: March 16, 2020 at 7:05pm
Dear J Family and Friends,
With each passing day, the coronavirus pandemic is having a greater impact on our daily activities.There is so much we don't know about what lies ahead, and we acknowledge that these are anxiety-producing times for everyone.“Business as usual” is now anything but usual. Last Friday, as you probably know, for the safety of our members and participants, senior management and the leadership of the board made the very difficult decision to close the building and cancel or postpone activities that would involve gathering together in small or large groups. To be clear:We are not aware of ANY reports of individuals who have tested positivefor COVID-19 at our J. We took these steps because we are listening to guidance from the CDC, WHO and otherhealth experts who say the best way to keep everyone safe and to “flatten the curve,” is to practice social distancing.
As a result of the health safety guidelines being put into place, now, more than ever, many in our community may feel isolated, and the need forconnection will be greater than ever. As always, we are committed to our core values and our mission of building community and enriching lives.Our dedicated staff has begun to mobilize, working to create virtual opportunities for us to stay connected in the areas of family engagement, health and wellness, Jewish learning, and arts and ideas. Over the next few weeks, our COVID-19 web page will be providing a list of virtual program offerings throughout this social distancing period. Our plan is to update the links and opportunities often.
Please know that we take seriously the investment you make in your, and your family's, JCC participation.We are reliant on our key revenue streams and the generosity of our donors to keep our operation afloat and to have the ability to retain our dedicated staff of the industry’s finest professionals. Our focus is not only on the immediate present but on the long-term strength of the organization. At this time, we have promised our staff, securityguards, and maintenance team that we will continue topay their salaries, which includes healthcare for full-time employees, through the end of the month. What happens after thatwilldepend, largely, on the understanding, communal spirit, generosity and commitment of our members, families, donors, and you.We ask for your patience as we managethis fluid situation, andwe will communicate our policies regarding membership dues and tuition directly with you as soon as we are able.
Adhering to our values, in particular, those oftikkun olam(repairing the world) and kol yisrael arevim zeh b’zeh(all of Israel are responsible for one another), caring for, and being responsible for, one another — is how we will move through this unprecedented and uncertain time feeling connected, supported, and protected. At times like this, thinking beyond our individual needs to those of the community around us is how we will more quickly recover when the crisis has passed… and it will pass. When it does, we need to be ready to resume full operations and to provide the essential programs and services on which our J-Family relies.
We have experienced the resiliency of this community and know that we will get through this together. In the meantime, please do everything you can to stay healthy and to ensure the health of those around you.
Yours In Community,
David Yaffe Jeff Dannick
President Executive Director
Updated: March 13, 2020 at5:00pm
Dear J Family and Friends,
As you are likely aware, there has been a flurry of new information and decisions made in the last few hours regarding COVID-19. First, Governor Northam has ordered all K-12 schools in Virginia to close for a minimum of two weeks to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.Additionally, Fairfax County Public Schools has made the decision, along with many other local school systems, to close for an extended periodbeginning Monday, March 16 through spring break which ends on April 10.FCPS will be monitoring the situation closely during this time and reserves the right to make adjustments as needed.
As you have been made aware from previous communications, the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia will follow the lead of Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County Health Department and will also close, including all programs and services both on and offsite. This closure will become effective at close of business Friday, March 13and extend beyond April 10 to include the remainder of the Passover holiday.The Pozez JCC intends to reopen and resume activities on Monday, April 20 but also reserves the right to make changes in scheduling based on real-time information and guidance from the CDC, Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax County Public Schools.As we all know, this is a very fluid situation and we are monitoring it very closely.We will continue to keep you updated as we have additional information to share.
The leadership of the Pozez JCC urges everyone in our community to closely follow CDC recommendations regarding behavior and hygiene to assist in our collective efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.Please bear with us during this challenging time and take the necessary steps to protect yourselves, your families and loved ones, and everyone else in our shared community.We appreciate the ways in which so many organizations have stepped up in this moment to prioritize the health and well-being of individuals and the community, reminding all of us about how to live our value ofkol yisrael arevim zeh b’zeh(all of Israel are responsible for one another)with such care and intention. We have a shared responsibility to support those individuals who both serve and depend on our community. Collectively, we must ensure that we remain strong through this challenging time and that we are able to come out on the other side of this crisis intact and ready for life after COVID-19.
Our community has made it through challenging times before, and together, we will do so again.
L’Shalom and Shabbat Shalom,
Pozez JCC Leadership and Staff
Updated: March 13, 2020 at 8:05 am
Dear J Family and Friends,
As you may be aware, Fairfax County Public Schools announced just before midnight last night that they were closing schools today due to public pressure and out of an abundance of caution.FCPS is still planning to hold their pre-scheduled staff in-service day on Monday to prepare for distance learning and have not, yet, made any long term plans for closures.This turn of events, and the timing of the announcement, is challenging for us relative to the thoughtful planning and communication we have done thus far based on the decision making by FCPS.
Because FCPS made these decisions based on public pressure anddid notreference any increased risk in their decision making, the Pozez JCC decided to operate on normal business hours and will operate ECLC on snow day hours from 9am-5pm.School-Age Services is quickly reaching out to staff in the attempts to offer a vacation day scenario from 9am-5pm as well, and has let families enrolled in that program know that they will inform them as early as possible this morning if this can be available based on their ability to staff on such short notice.
Our current planning includes remaining open on Monday, as scheduled, with regular ECLC hours and School-Age Services offering Vacation Day Programming from 7:30-6pm as previously planned. Senior Management will meet today and Monday to make longer-term decisions based on real-time information and new developments. Those plans will be communicated as they are developed, and as this is a fluid situation, we will be as nimble as possible in any making any necessary changes that might be warranted.
At this time, all other operations are not impacted by the closure of FCPS.
We will do our best to remain thoughtful, deliberate, and informed in our decision making and communication.
B’shalom,
Pozez JCC Leadership and Staff
Updated: March 12, 2020 at 11:30 am
Dear J Family,
The health and safety of our community and our staff remains our first priority. We know from experts that proactively limiting frequent gatherings of large crowds is an important facet in reducing the spread of illness. To that end, we want to update you on a number of new developments and decisions the J has made relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Large Events:
At this time, while we are not aware of any confirmed cases in our J community, we have taken some proactive steps to limit potential exposure and community spread of the virus.These steps include cancelling the following programs and events:
- Adult Services trips to large venues (eg: The Kennedy Center; miscellaneous dates)
- Simcha Showcase, Premier Party-Planning Expo (Sunday, March 22 - Being Rescheduled)
- A Growing Jewish Families Passover (March 29)
- Community Passover Seder (Thursday, April 2)
We are contemplating whether the J will participate in Good Deeds Day should it move forward (Sunday, April 26) and have taken a wait and see position regarding Israel Fest which takes place in June. We will continue to assess this evolving situation and will be making decisions about whether or not other programs will remain on the schedule or be cancelled and will keep you apprised with any changes in scheduling.
Contingencies should Major School Systems Close:
Note: The below focuses on our Fairfax ECLC and BASE programs.With regards to our Alexandria satellite preschool, we are working closely with our partners at Beth El Hebrew Congregation regarding potential closures and will communicate directly with those families should they be impacted.
• Should Fairfax County Public Schools close individual schoolsoutside of the Woodson Pyramid and/or Gesherfor containment purposes due to localized outbreaks, the J will continue to operate, including ECLC and School-Age Services programs unless directed differently by Health Department Officials.
• Should Fairfax County Public Schools close individual schoolswithin the Woodson Pyramid and/or Gesherfor containment purposes due to localized outbreaks, the J will continue to operate as fully as possible, but ECLC and School-Age Services Programs will be closed to reduce the community spread of the virus. The longevity of the closure will be dictated by real-time information, guidance from Fairfax County Health Department and the most updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Should Fairfax County Public School Systemshut down in its entiretyeither for containment purposes or as preventative measures, the Pozez JCC will close down all operations as a preventative measure.The longevity of the closure will be dictated by real time information, guidance from Fairfax County Health Department and the most updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Increasing Sanitizing Efforts:
In an effort to further increase the daily cleaning and sanitizing of the Pozez JCC, we have arranged with our janitorial vendor, Red Coats, Inc. for additional staffing 7 days/week. Additionally, we have encouraged every staff person to help in this effort by maintaining individual work areas and sanitizing surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes or sprays.
Personal Responsibility:
As stated in previous messaging and emails, we are asking all of our members, participants, and staff tofollow simple CDC and Fairfax County Health Department guidelines for preventing the spread of all viruses, including COVID-19.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe.
If you have traveled out of the country to an area that is known to have experienced an outbreak of coronavirus, please watch closely for symptoms which include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. A 14-day self-quarantine is being encouraged for those who have traveled overseas.
It is also important that families have an emergency plan in place, such as knowing your emergency contacts, having backup plans for daycare and working from home if needed.
As we move through this unprecedented time, we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and willingness to pull together.Our goal is to be as prepared as possible while continuing to offer our wonderful programs and events to the community as we are able.
We will continue to keep you apprised of any developments as they are made available. If you have questions, thoughts, or concerns, we encourage you to contactLaura.Adler@theJ.orgso she can pass along your inquiry to the proper department.
With much appreciation for our community, we thank you for your help in combating the spread of the virus to the J family. We will get through this b’yachad (together).
B’shalom,
Pozez JCC Leadership and Staff
Updated: March 10, 2020 at 2:35 pm
As the coronavirus/COVID-19 continues to raise concerns around the globe, and here in our area as 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were announced in Montgomery County this week, we want to give you an update on precautions we are taking here at the J to keep our members, participants, and visitors safe.
We are monitoring the situation closely and are following enhanced sanitizing and health standards protocols to prevent the spread of flu and other viruses. Our staff is continuing to sanitize all frequently touched surfaces multiple times a day as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Pozez JCC has always provided hand sanitizer at the front entrance and throughout the building (hand washing is preferable). We are adding additional stations throughout the building. Additionally,to limit exposure and spread of the virus, the J is now a “handshake free zone” (see graphic).
To ensure we are partnering together in this effort, we ask that you follow these preventive measures:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe.
If you have traveled out of the country to an area that is known to have experienced an outbreak of coronavirus, please watch closely for symptoms which include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. A 14-day self-quarantine is being encouraged for those who have traveled overseas.
It is also important that families have an emergency plan in place, such as knowing your emergency contacts, having backup plans for daycare and working from home if needed.
Thank you in advance for working with us to maintain the health and safety of our community.