Covid-19 Resources

Get Vaccinated

For the latest information from the state of Massachusetts regarding vaccination, please click HERE, and to register via the MA government site click HERE.

The state of Massachusetts provides in-home vaccinations performed by medical professionals for anyone 5 and older who is unable to get to a vaccine location. Call 833-983-0485 Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm to register. Once registered, you will generally be called within five business days to schedule your appointment.

What does it mean to say that a vaccine is n% effective? NYTimes explainer. NPR explainer.

Fully Vaccinated? Read the CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and others HERE.

CDT's Re-Entry Protocol Committee and Guidelines

Last updated November 29, 2021

In response to the evolving COVID landscape, a Re-entry Protocol Committee was formed in 2020 and has been tasked with following ongoing research as well as federal, state, and municipal policy response and guidelines in order to provide time-sensitive recommendations to the CDT executive committee and board on CDT policy for in-person gatherings, including hybrid programming. Current members: Bob Warren, Barbara Beck, David Felson, Paul Hattis, Linette Liebling, Gail Pressberg, Lauren Stefano, Rabbi Toba, and Melissa Colten.

We thank you for your partnership and patience as we work together to celebrate safely, and invite questions and input via THIS short FORM. Because the situation with the pandemic is constantly in flux, please know that we will revise these guidelines as circumstances change, and be in touch with Melissa Colten if you have any questions.

CDT's guidelines for indoor and outdoor gatherings, as of November 21, 2021, are below. Risk levels and metrics examined that will inform the committee's decision-making moving forward can be seen on the CovidActNow website.

Guidelines for in-person gatherings as of October 2021

This is an exciting time and we all want to gather safely! This autumn, we are having congregational Shabbat services in the sanctuary, including for b'mitzvot. Please note that all indoor Shabbat services will be livestreamed for guests and congregants.

Pre-registration of those attending indoor gatherings is required. Seating is limited to 30% capacity in order to maintain proper distancing and airflow, so we need to know who is attending and how many are in your party. Guests can then find their seats in a group of chairs when they arrive. Unless it is a b'mitzvah, the chairs will NOT be assigned.
Vaccination is required for all that are eligible.
Masks are required and will be maintained for the duration of the program / service, regardless of vaccination status. CDT will always have masks on hand in case of need.
Attend only if you are symptom free (without elevated temperature, sore throat, nausea, muscle aches, cough, respiratory symptoms, unexplained rash, and loss of smell or taste) and have not been in contact with anyone with Covid.
For those who have been vaccinated and have severely compromised immune systems, please consult your physician before attending any large-scale gatherings.

INDOORS in the CDT Sanctuary

When at the CDT sanctuary, we can safely and logistically accommodate up to 60 pre-registered guests. Please feel free to call Melissa if you have further questions after reading through the guidelines.

Windows are to be open and the fans on and set in reverse, so that the air flows upwards.
Seating. We will limit seating in the sanctuary to 1/3 of capacity: 60 persons. Pre-registered attendees will be seated in pods that are socially distanced from one another. Fully vaccinated attendees may form a large pod if they wish, sitting together without being socially distanced.
Unvaccinated persons, including the young children of vaccinated adults, are requested to participate via Zoom or livestream only.
The bimah and/or presenter(s) will be at least 12' feet from the first row, and masks will be optional on the bima only if the participant has received a negative result from a covid test within 48 hours prior to the service. If you are unable to obtain an at-home test, please request one from the office.
Food will not be allowed.

OUTDOOR programming

While outdoor services at Gann Academy are no longer taking place, we continue to have outdoor events. Please feel free to call Melissa if you have further questions.

Pre-registration is required. We need to know how many people to expect in order to ensure supplies and seating (if being used) for all attendees.
Seating. If the program is seated, chairs will be set out in pre-arranged groups of 3-5. Children and unvaccinated attendees will be seated within their household.
Masks are not required.
Food may not be shared among households.

How to Take Care of Yourself During the Pandemic

We’ve collected these resources in response to questions we’ve received from our members. Please check back regularly as we continue to add more, and please feel free to send additional resources to us for posting.

• Government Resources about COVID-19
• Testing
• Resources for Emotional and Spiritual Self Care
• Exercise
• Emotional Health for Kids
• Financial Resources
• Educational Resources
• Resources for Kids
• Entertainment Ideas
• Event Listings
• Go to the Theater
• Go to a Museum
• Watch a Movie
• Listen to a Podcast
• Sing or Listen to Music
• Other Great Lists and Resources
• Ways to Help

Exercise

• Advice on Exercising During the Pandemic

• Find a Hiking Trail with AllTrails

• P.E. with Coach Joe

• Sign up for a CDT Walking Buddy

Religious Resources

• Kol Haneshamah, the Reconstructionist siddur

• CDT's All-Ages Erev Shabbat siddur

• Siddur Chaveirim Kol Yisraeil for Friday Evening

• Siddur Hallel v'Zimrah for Shabbat Morning

Mass Support Coping Groups

• For those with children being schooled remotely - 2/2 at 7pm, 2/4 at 11am

• For COVID-19 survivors - 2/9 at 7pm, 2/11 at 11am

• For healthcare and mental health providers - 2/16 at 7pm, 2/18 at 11am

Financial Resources

• the City of Newton has information of various financial resources;

including a fund for help with utilities.

• CJP Warmline, for those needing financial and other assistance

• Yad Chesed, for Jewish individuals and families needing financial assistance

• Masshire page, for those seeking work

• United Way COVID-19 Fund

• FamilyWize discounts on prescription drugs

• US Department of the Treasury Assistance for Small Businesses

• Jewish Re-employment Program, free job search counseling

• Keches Cares, a nonprofit associated with the Keches law group, has opened up funding for those who need any kind of help right now, including assistance filing for unemployment benefits, financial aid, getting groceries or sourcing protective equipment. Learn More & Apply for Assistance

• Frontline Home Benefit Program