Bungalow Colonies Lockdown After Corona Outbreaks

A resurgence of COVID-19 cases in bungalow colonies upstate has led to new guidelines and one colony going under lockdown.

By Anash.org reporter

A resurgence of COVID-19 cases in bungalow colonies upstate has led to new guidelines and one colony going under lockdown.

The Mountain Lodge Estates bungalow colony reported a single case of coronavirus earlier this month, and it quickly led into an rash of cases, including a number that clearly seemed to be reinfections.

Working together with the Gedaliah Society and Dr. Eli Rosen, the board of the bungalow colony set up new guidelines, including a complete lockdown for the time being.

“Over the past 10 days we have working together with others expert in the field of public health, studying the situation at MLE, and trying to devise guidelines for the safe management of what appears to be a mini outbreak there,” the Gedaliah Society said.

They wrote that two of the adults involved, clearly seem to be cases of reinfection. Based on the this new information, it seems that even those that have had the illness may now be incubating again, and themselves become infectious, as antibody protection has waned.

“In the best situation, there would be no coming and going from MLE, ensuring that the outbreak stays local, and is not exported,” they write.

“Those who must leave should be particularly cautious, to observe social distancing and mask use. Most importantly, visits to elderly parents should be delayed. The same applies to simchas and other events where social distancing breaks down,” they said.

They also advised that shuls should be closed, and outdoor minyonim resumed. Kiddushim should be halted as well. Children should not attend camp both inside and outside of the bungalow colony.

“There is no perfect solution, and any attempt to shut this mini-outbreak down will require some hardship. The next few days will be telling as to where this is going, but having experienced the effects of this virus, we believe that abundant caution is appropriate at this time,” they said.

Two other bungalow colonies have reported outbreaks as well.