The Standing UP For Up-standers Task Force has been hard at work to spread awareness for COVID-19 and to help those who are affected during these trying times. The task force is  currently working to recognize up-standers in our own community to thank them for everything that they have been doing and are continuing to do. However, our task force is small, and we need some more of our awesome members in this movement to take part in this incredible cause. Will YOU be one of those fantastic people soon?

The largest vaccination campaign in history has begun within just under a year of the pandemic. Over 17.5 million doses have been distributed to essential workers in 38 different countries as of January 7th, 2021. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to stop doing everything that you can to help stop the spread; wearing a mask, not having large gatherings, practicing social distancing all the time, etc. With everyone doing all of this, we can ensure that we are doing our part, though it may not seem like much.

As of January 7th 2021, the worldwide case, recovery and death tolls are as follows: 87.9 Million  COVID-19 cases, 49 Million recovered COVID-19 cases, and 1.9 Million COVID-19 deaths. Again, as of January 7th 2021, Australia is no longer in mandatory lockdown because of their major decrease in cases, but had quarantined since early July. Most Canadian provinces are in lockdown, with schools being fully online (some provinces may differ). In the United States, illnesses declined or stayed the same. However, the percentage of COVID-19 and other deaths due to illnesses have been increasing since early October. Additionally, the more contagious UK COVID-19 strain has been found in the US, including, but not limited to, Pennsylvania and Texas. Speaking of, the COVID-19 level in the UK is at a very high level and a mandatory lockdown is in place until further notice. In Africa and Europe, cases are slowly rising again, with a potential new wave on the rise, but it is not confirmed. In Asia, vaccines are starting to roll out, although Asia has quite a high number of COVID-19 cases. Some rather good news, South America is starting to see COVID numbers slowly dropping, over 1 million citizens have been vaccinated in Israel, and Antarctica has NO COVID-19 CASES!!!

The Standing Up for Up-standers Task Force has some exciting updates for the movement that you will not want to miss out on! You can now be nominated for the AZA and BBG of the month, earning some recognition within the order by being on our website. The task force is looking for a dedicated and hardworking AZA and BBG that is constantly spreading positivity and helping the world around them. If you know a teen that fits these requirements, the Task Force encourages that you nominate them for the honorable recognition.

Along with that, you can now submit a form nominating essential workers for the Up-standers of the Month! This is a very exciting opportunity and a chance to thank our essential workers for all they do during these unprecedented times. An up-stander can be someone specific; a family member that you believe is deserving, someone that works with you, etc. It can also be a garbage truck driver or even someone who works at your favorite chain restaurant! By nominating them, they are entered to win a $10 gift card of their choice and much more, to thank them for their hard work and service through this global pandemic.

With all this being said, if you are interested in contributing with all of these new initiatives and coming up with more, join the Standing UP For Up-standers Task Force, and if you want to write articles for The Shofar, join the Ed & Web Subcommittee. We’ll see you next time for some more updates!!