SIMCHAS
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
Is It Time to Party?
As summer arrives, simchas are starting to pop up all over the place. Even while writing this article, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made an announcement regarding mask protocol, and an update to this story was necessary. The positive news is we are starting to see more synagogues, nonprofits, theaters, weddings, mitzvahs and other simchas happening. Regarding the partying landscape, Dr. Richard Prokesch, an infectious disease specialist, said, “There has been an encouraging trend locally and nationally for the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas there was a slight bump in cases post
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spring break, fortunately there was not yet another surge. The question is: is it time to party?” Prokesch continued, “The latest CDC recommendations for gatherings are that fully vaccinated persons at least two weeks after the second doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine no longer need to wear a mask or socially distance in any setting unless required by local government or business regulations. “The vaccines work! Thus, indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk to those who are fully vaccinated. Also, it is fine to visit with unvaccinated households, including children from a single household that is low risk for COVID-19 infection, again without masks or social distancing. The personal comfort level of the individual supersedes the CDC guidelines.” So, what does that really mean for simchas? “Whereas
Dr. Richard Prokesch updates us on how to stay cautious when partying.
Dr. Mitchell Blass discusses the landscape of partying and mask-wearing.
it is not yet time to party like it’s 2019, we can begin to enjoy celebrations with our friends and families” following the CDC guidelines, he wrote in an email to the AJT. “For instance, a moderately sized outdoor wedding is safe, especially if all attendees are fully vaccinated.
Indoor events such as bar or bat mitzvahs still require continued vigilance despite the latest CDC guidelines. If the numbers are relatively small and all are vaccinated, then again, no mask or social distancing will be required, but if there are a num-
