The above graph was constructed by analyzing data fed to us by more than 2000 respondents. Thank you to those who responded, as this information has been especially important with understanding the development of new infections in our community.
What the graph demonstrates quite eloquently is the rate of new cases reporting symptoms marking the onset of the illness. As we have not been testing we are using the clinical picture, by now well known to all, and this measure is probably accurate the vast majority of the time.
The obvious good news is that the rate of new infection seems to have fallen very steeply, as we would expect with a novel virus. This means that we can hope to see fewer new cases in the coming days. We do however expect to see sporadic cases and it is for this reason that the elderly and frail must still be protected and remain isolated.
The continued high rate of hospitalization among those who remain ill is deeply disturbing, and we pray for their speedy recovery.
Please – if you’ve only just developed symptoms of this sickness in the past few days, please fill out the survey below if you’ve not yet done so. And a plea to anyone else who has not filled it out yet to please fill it out, even if you have not had symptoms.
We would like to continue to reiterate the importance of self isolation for those above 65, those with underlying health conditions, and those that are sick. For those without symptoms (and recovered according to the criteria), please continue to practice strict social distancing.
There remains a serious communication issue when children cannot visit their parents in the hospital. Besides the anxiety generated by not “knowing”, there is always the worry that “I’m not there to advocate for them”. We are struggling to open effective means of communication with patients in the hospital,and progress is being made. All the hospitals are aware of the problem, some are managing better than others to work out solutions.
We are repeating the plea for adults who HAVE HAD the illness (and recovered as defined by the criteria) to go and take care of your parents if they are currently ill with presumed COVID. If your elderly parents (>65) remain not ill and without symptoms, continue to KEEP YOUR DISTANCE from them.
Concerning Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) – There is a possibility that only a few tabs may be dangerous for children if accidentally ingested. To all those who received Plaquenil, please be aware that any unused tablets must be carefully discarded and not get into the hands of children.
As far as Pesach travel is concerned, it remains difficult to predict how this illness will affect other communities. Our concern for people going to family out of town is that those elderly or at risk, who have been isolated here, will be exposed to cases out of town where the illness may still be quite prevalent.
Mental Health:
As we progress through this outbreak, we are aware of the immense anxiety felt by every individual. To this end, we are trying to provide access to professional help. Neshamos.org has collaborated with a remarkable team of mental health professionals to provide mental health support. Please call the hotline number (212-901-2000) to speak with a licensed mental health professional.
COVID hotline:
212-901-2000
Errand Helpline:
– The Gedaliah Society, in conjunction with Dr. Rosen
thank you for doing such a wonderful job – leading the community through this unprecedented time! Thank you for keeping your calm and being reassuring and providing us with hope that we will see the end of this very soon iy!
The Doctors are amazing!
May we here more good news
crown heights leaders and dr.’s are doing such a beautiful job at taking care of us.
” And a plea to anyone else who has not filled it out yet to please fill it out, even if you have not had symptoms”
Do you want everyone to fill out the questionnaire regardless of whether they have the virus or not?
If possible, yes. Admittedly it is a harder sell, and capturing those that are symptomatic is a higher priority.
Fill it out now regardless whether you have symptoms or not.
Yes
The governor of NY stated that anyone traveling out of NY should quarantine themselves for 14 days. Please, please think about others. New Yorkers should stay put for Pesach. Do not come to out of town communities and infect others!
May Hashem bentch everyone with revealed health in all areas and thank you to all of Hashems shluchim who are helping people get through this-may Hashem bentch you and all of Am Yisroel with brochos ad bli dai.
Moshiach NOW NOW NOW!
We were first Community to show symptoms and first to heal .
We BH Have a change of visitors on a weekly basis . Many visitors came and went home safe BH , many random acts and kindness start from CH , the Rebbe schunah .
Thank you dr Eli and Hatzalah for your outstanding work
Many also left there and went to other places and infected other communities!
I would like to give a major shout out to the Gedalia society, for taking such an important role at this very dangerous and scary time, in providing information, assistance and guidance at this moment. From creating the hotline and providing information, assistance and regular updates, and the credible survey with very important and significant data
I cannot think of another Jewish community that has had this information and service available to them. I really would like to thank the leader ship of Gedalia society in conjunction with Dr. Rosen. Outstanding
an incredible doctor and a true leader
A huge yasher koach to our ever devoted hatzolah especially to Menachem Freeman who answers his phone no matter what time of day even to give chizzuk!! Your devotion to the community is exemplary.
Moshiach is coming!!!!
The reason why cases have fallen are _because_ of the social distancing measures and closing of shuls etc. that were put in place. If we regress to soon they’ll begin climbing again. We’re not even beginning to be close to the end of this, we’ve simply put appropriate measures in place. They need to be left in place for foreseeable future. That wasn’t emphasized enough.
I think that point was buried too deeply in this post!! This is incredible news but NOT time to start going back to routines!!
There is still no vaccine and no treatment – the ONLY reason contagion is dropping is because of the distancing measures. We MUST continue to be super careful, or…!
I imagine rates are down also bec everyone had or has it already.
Thank you for stepping up to the plate and leading with the Gedaliah society
Thank you for stepping up and leading with the Gedaliah society!
How can we donate to the gdaliah society. You have lead our community and personally helped me. I want to repay just a little token of appreciation .
Can you please share with us in the next update who you are and what you do?
Rates are rising…. not declining. Also without access to testing kits no one knows what the real numbers of infections are in this community or any other..
The low criteria given for the study(just a sore throat, congestion)means that many of the “new cases” may be a cold or allergies which was started earlier. As the comment before mentioned, without testing the criteria should have been a higher bar(fever, severe headache).