Coronavirus update for the Crown Heights community, from the Gedaliah Society and Dr. Eli Rosen: Upwards of 100 cases of COVID in our community in the past week, those over 50 must take precautions.
Over the past week there have been upwards of 100 cases of COVID in our community. Thankfully, over the past few days we have not witnessed the exponential increase we had feared, which is very reassuring; hopefully this will not only continue to be the case, but IYH we will see a downtrend. However, there are still many cases daily across all age groups, with many in the group of most concern. Predominantly the virus is spreading among those who had not previously had COVID.
Therefore, given the continued presence of COVID in our community, we must strongly urge those above the age 50 who have not previously been ill with COVID to continue to take caution. For the time being, and certainly over this Shabbos and into next week, those in this group are urged to avoid shuls, simchas, or other crowded areas, and to be cautious about socializing with family or friends who may spread the virus. Of particular concern is children who are constantly mixing with others at school, and who then go to visit their vulnerable grandparents who of course desire to spend time or a meal with those whom they love.
For the general community, if someone is ill with COVID they should stay home and isolate until ten days have passed, and they are symptom free for at least a day. Those who have been in close contact with a person with COVID should quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. (Alternatively, one may discontinue quarantine on day 7 if a negative test is obtained on day 5-7 of quarantine.)
Isolation of those who are ill, and quarantining those who have been closely exposed, is perhaps the single most important thing we can do to slow down the spread of COVID. In addition, masks and social distancing are effective tools in reducing the spread of COVID and should be utilized.
IYH next week we will have further information as to where things stand. For now, we beg people not to congregate in big crowds, at least for the short term, given the continued prevalence of cases.
Wishing those that are currently ill a complete and speedy refuah shleimah, and IYH we should only have good news to share.
Good Shabbos!
– The Gedaliah Society, in conjunction with Dr. Rosen
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