COVID-19 guidelines for the Jewish community

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies had a meeting on 12 March to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in the country and in particular on the Jewish community and its communal organisations.

“It is encouraging to learn how much work has already been done by our various communal bodies to prepare for this pandemic,” said the board. “These plans were shared at the meeting with a view to everyone benefiting from best practice and also to coordinate and streamline our responses within our various sectors.”

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The meeting was addressed by Professor Barry Schoub, founder and former director of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases and Dr Richard Friedland, CEO of Netcare.  “They both have been integrally involved in advising and assisting our communal organisations in their planning.  They will continue to support our efforts and be on hand to provide ongoing guidance.”

The experts provided the following COVID-19 guidelines for the Jewish community;

• Education

One of the most important aspects of containing this pandemic is education around effective personal hygiene. This should be widely communicated, among others, through posters in community venues and also to promote these practices from the pulpits, podiums and in classrooms.

Proper handwashing including the use of soap and water, which is as effective as hand sanitizer and washing for at least 20 seconds, ensuring thorough washing on both sides of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails.

Avoid handshaking, hugging and kissing.

Use the correct sneezing and coughing etiquette preferably using a tissue and then disposing of the tissue in the garbage and washing hands, or if not possible into the crook of your arm.

Masks are not advisable, with the exception of healthcare workers and those who are infected.

• Self-quarantine

People who may have come into contact with COVID-19 through travel or contact with a person who may be infected should ‘self-quarantine’.  This entails isolating yourself at home, going out only if absolutely essential and if so, not coming into contact with people.

It is especially important to employ self-quarantine processes if there is a child in the home.

• Basic precautionary measures

Flu vaccination: It is strongly advisable to be vaccinated against influenza.  For community members who are unable to afford this or are not on medical aid, the Chevra Kadisha will make vaccines available.

Food hygiene: This must be scrupulously adhered to, especially in communal settings.

• Local and international travel

There are no restrictions at this point on local travel.

It is recommended to avoid non-essential international travel, especially to countries with local transmission of COVID-19. This includes many countries in Asia, the United States of America, Europe, Israel, Australia and the United Kingdom. This is in line with the global risk of the disease and the real possibility of importing it to our country.

• Communal gatherings

It is recommended to limit non-essential gatherings and to attempt to reduce numbers. At this stage, shuls will operate, but it is crucial that all attendees adhere scrupulously to the above guidelines.

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