Greetings all,

I hope that despite the challenges that we faced this Feast of Tabernacles, that your Feast was still spiritually enriching and that you leave Bend-Redmond with your cup 'filled'. 

There are a couple of final things to mention: 

1) If you begin to experience symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19, please let us know so that we are able to trace the extent of the exposure. The work will continue after the Feast is concluded - so your assistance in helping to do that is appreciated. Once again - at this stage, assume that any cold/flu symptoms (cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, nausea, diarrhea, body aches, etc.) as a likely infection, until definitively proven otherwise. 

We had a family that tested on Friday, and received back great news that they were negative despite the symptoms, until the health department called back and said, 'sorry, you're actually positive.', so take care with testing as well, especially home tests, as false negatives are notorious - which is why they provide two tests. If it comes back positive - you're positive, but the negatives can be a challenge. Don't assume - prove. Symptoms are a good signal that something is going on.

Call the Festival Office phone (503-949-2504) to let us know.

2) Please do not plan to attend services in your local congregations until you have been 10-days post last opportunity for exposure, we desire to stop this in its tracks here in Bend-Redmond and not bring it back to your local congregations, where it can continue to spread. This can only be done if we prevent the possibility of exchange. I know that is difficult, and a big request, but we're at the point that we cannot contact trace all exposures. It's just beyond our ability to do so at this time. Some congregations are going to be cancelling services on October 2nd to prevent the potential for exchange, but in congregations that plan to move forward - please proceed with caution.

3) Lastly - if there is anything that you need from us - please call the (503) 949-2504, and we'll do what we can to help.

It has been my privilege to serve you all this year as Festival Coordinator, and I hope that you all have safe travels home, and that for those impacted, that you recover quickly and with mild symptoms.

With Love,
Ben