Chessed Shel Emes

Response to COVID-19

15/05/2020

As a condition of the partial relaxation of Mass Gathering (including Funerals) restrictions, we are required to maintain a record of all attendees at funeral service. This information will be retained by the Funeral Director and/or the cemetery and only released to Government Health Authorities in the event that “contact tracing” following a confirmed case of Coronavirus among attendees is identified. we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of all persons with whom we have interactions. In keeping with this core value, all forms will be securely destroyed (with no information supplied on the form retained) when authorised by Government Health Authorities.

Funeral Staff will ask each person attending the following:

1. Are you required to self-isolate due to your travel history?
2. In the past 14 days, have you had or are you aware of any close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19?
3. Do you have any reason to suspect that you have or may have COVID-19?

If the person answers YES to any of these questions they will be advised that they are not permitted to attend the service, and are required to follow the steps outlined by the Australian Government Department of Health at: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

If they answer NO to ALL of the above questions, they will be  allowed to attend the service, maximum of 30 for an outdoor service with social distancing.

16/03/2020

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) develops around the world we are committed to continuing our sacred work for the community to the best of our ability. We are monitoring the directives from the Department of Health closely and are putting in place plans for different contingencies, as the situation changes on a daily basis.

As the risks are assessed our activities and services may be modified. Should you be part of a vulnerable population, we ask that you consider not attending gatherings for the time being for your safety and protection.

We will be using other technology at our disposal to continue our sacred work, including live streaming services over our website www.sck.org.au, and arranging meetings via telephone or Video Conference. If you are unwell, we ask that you not attend our office or any services.

If you are attending events or services, the Department of Health recommends some precautionary measures.
With these in mind, we ask for your cooperation in the following to help us safeguard the wellbeing of all who attend funerals:
If you have travelled through mainland China, Iran, South Korea or Italy or any of the other countries listed by the Department of Health or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus within the previous 14 days, please isolate yourself at home in accordance with the guidelines of the Australian Government Department of Health.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough or sore throat, please ensure you seek medical attention (although people displaying these symptoms may be simply suffering from a cold or other respiratory illness) and do not visit our office or services while symptoms persist.

We ask that you please avoid shaking hands, kissing and hugging when greeting each other. The community’s clergy are in contact with vulnerable individuals who must be kept safe and this will protect them and you.

Please also keep in mind other recommended measures, like avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, covering your cough and sneeze, disposing of used tissues in a rubbish bin, and washing your hands frequently. Hand-washing facilities are present in each bathroom. Hand sanitiser will also be available, although hand washing is preferable. Please wash and sanitise your hands often.

For further resources regarding COVID-19, please refer to www.health.gov.au.

We thank you all for taking these precautions to ensure the health and safety of our community and we shall continue to monitor health advice and respond appropriately. Should you have any questions or concerns, please be in touch with our office.

 

The Sydney Chevra Kadisha office will be closed on the following holy days:

Thursday 9th April 2020 Passover Day 1
Friday 10th April 2020 Passover Day 2
Wednesday 15th April 2020 Passover Day 7
Thursday 16th April 2020 Passover Day 8
Friday 29th May 2020 Shavuot Day 1
Sunday 20th September 2020 Rosh Hashana Day 2
Monday 28th September 2020 Yom Kippur
Sunday 4th October 2020 Succot Day 2
Sunday 11th October 2020 Simchat Torah