Rabbi Adler Communications during Coronavirus pandemic

Chaveireinu HaYikarim,

I hope everyone is safe and secure during these troubling times . Our governor mentioned today that there has been an uptick of Covid cases in New Jersey and he listed our own Bergen County as one of the counties which registered an uptick. Several of the doctors the RCBC consults also remarked that there has been a small but noticeable rise at our local hospitals. I do not 
intend to sound an alarm . Quite the contrary, I am proud of the fact that every minyan that I visited during our Yom Tov cycle not once have I seen anyone without a mask nor having a seat that is not socially distanced. I come to be מחזק each and everyone of you to continue these practices. If you are having company please continue to plan the meal outside. With your diligence we can keep positive Covid tests to as close to zero as possible . And just a gentle reminder if you are not feeling well please do not come to shul or any backyard minyan . 
Best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and  Chag Sameach . 

P.S. - one halachic note. If you are contemplating using your Sukkah for an outdoor meal on Simchat Torah you must disqualify your Sukkah late Shabbat afternoon in order one not violate the prohibition of Bal Tosif, adding an extra day to the mitzvah of Sukkah not legislated in the Torah. The way to do that is to bring into the Sukkah late Shabbat afternoon a few really dirty pots, like a used burnt cholent pot which are typically not brought into the Sukkah . Then you can eat in the Sukkah worry free.
YA