COVID-19 RESPONSE
Update - March 15, 2020
3/15/2020
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From: Debbie Yunker Kail, Executive Director
Subject: ASU Hillel Response to COVID-19

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

Last week, ASU announced that classes will be online for the next two weeks, and all public events are canceled for 30 days. Additionally, please refer to ASU's official Novel Coronavirus website for all updates and some new travel guidelines as spring break comes to a close.

What does this mean for ASU Hillel?
We care about the safety and wellbeing of all of our students and staff and as such have made the difficult decision to suspend all in-person programs, religious services, and classes, effective immediately. Early this week, we will implement plans to sustain our community online. When possible, we will be moving Hillel programs and classes online, and you can expect to hear more from us soon about that. You can expect coffee dates, classes, and more to be available online!

The Hillel building will remain closed until March 29. We will revisit our situation based on CDC, Arizona State University, and state recommendations and update you again before March 29 as to our Hillel building and upcoming events, including Passover. 

Our staff will be working remotely during this time. While we cannot meet in person, we are 100%  here for you, and we are committed to sustaining our community of friendship, support, and Jewish learning. 

Resources
	•	ASU Official Novel Coronavirus updates 
	•	ASU Health Services - 480-965-3349. Please call if you have COVID-19 symptoms or come into contact with anyone who has tested positive. 
	•	ASU Dean of Students office - Email deanofstudents@asu.edu for help navigating your personal situation related to classes or housing.  
	•	ASU Hillel COVID-19 Updates and Opportunities - A new one-stop-shop website from ASU Hillel 
	•	Care for your Mental Health - Tips and Resources 
	•	Wellness Guide for Preparing for Digital Learning 

We want to hear from you
It's so important for us to know how you are doing during this trying time. Do you need something we may be able to help with? Where will you be during the coming weeks? What do you want to see from Hillel as we move online? Please complete this brief survey so we can best support you during this time. 

The spread of COVID-19 is a challenge unlike others we have faced before. And yet, it provides us some unique opportunities as well. We know our community is strong enough to figure this out together. In Judaism, the value of pikuach nefesh, saving a life, takes priority over almost all other Jewish rituals and commandments. We are grateful for the opportunity to do our small part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We urge our community to use an abundance of caution when making your own decisions about how to weather the coming weeks.  

Please continue to check our social media and new website for additional updates, resources, and opportunities. During this transitional period, I encourage all students to reach out to me directly if you have any further questions or concerns. My email is debbie@hillelasu.org.

Wishing you all good health,

Debbie Yunker Kail
Executive Director