By the grace of Hashem, the Tishrei season was relatively quiet – the community was spared a major outbreak, no fatalities were reported, and we had relatively few cases compared to our neighboring communities. However, we seem to have entered into a different phase locally here in Crown Heights. As opposed to the springtime “epidemic”, where we had rapid spread to many individuals, now COVID appears to be more “endemic”, where we continue to see multiple new cases a day in a relatively persistent and consistent fashion. We believe this pattern of infection is the result of the majority of the population having already been ill with the virus in the spring.
Unfortunately over the past few weeks we lost 2 elderly individuals (with pre-existing illness) to COVID. There have been numerous hospitalizations of adults over the age of 65, most of whom did well. For those still in the hospital and seriously ill, we wish them a speedy and complete recovery. It remains clear that COVID has not disappeared, and remains potentially very dangerous.
In addition, we are seeing many in the younger age group being affected with COVID (usually a mild form), and we are seeing spread of infection from adults to children and from children to adults. Nearly all of the new cases in our community are in those who have never been sick previously, with occasional cases of reinfection, most of whom have had a mild illness.
It’s worth mentioning that although nearly all of the cases we are seeing are in those who have not been previously ill, many of these individuals have been previously exposed, often heavily. It is unclear why they did not become ill when first exposed, and only became ill now with a current exposure. This means that although we think that one who has already been sick with COVID is unlikely to get sick again, the same cannot be said for one who was previously merely exposed but not sick.
Despite the continued new cases (many within the younger age group who may be a source of infection to other older individuals), keeping the schools open remains a clear priority. Under the current circumstances, keeping schools open means that we will continue to see students getting ill with COVID. As stated previously, we hope and expect that this will not surge into the wildfire we’ve seen previously; nevertheless, we expect to see continued cases among our students and within the community. Therefore we are earnestly making the following recommendations in an attempt to prevent even one more avoidable hospitalization.
- Vulnerable staff in the schools, particularly those over 60 who have not previously been ill with confirmed COVID, should not have direct contact with the student body until the case count decreases significantly.
- Out of town students should preferably not be living with older/vulnerable grandparents or relatives who have not previously been ill with confirmed COVID.
- Any child who is not completely well should stay home until it becomes clear why they are not themselves, and what the problem is. To this end, getting the child evaluated by a medical professional and tested will help to significantly limit the spread within the school, and more particularly protect vulnerable others especially the elderly.
- With the knowledge that susceptible children may be carrying the virus, for the time being we strongly recommend that school age children stay away from the elderly and otherwise vulnerable, particularly those who have not previously been ill with confirmed COVID.
We will surely be done with this pandemic soon with the help of Hashem. Until that time, it’s imperative that we keep the above in mind as we approach Chanukah. The beauty of the multigenerational Chanukah party, with grandchildren visiting with their grandparents, is something that currently carries with it a significant degree of risk, and should be avoided.
There is ample reason to suggest that we will soon emerge from the darkness into the light again. Until then we need to act smart and protect every individual.
With blessings for a lichtiger Chanukah and praying for the ultimate light of the Redemption.
- The Gedaliah Society, in conjunction with Dr. Rosen
Thank you for your continuous commitment to keeping our community safe. Would it be possible to come out with suggestions about yud shvat as boys and yeshivas are already making plans, thank you
I for one was wondering why there has not been updates lately,,, I want to THANK Dr ROSEN עמו״ש, for his care , devotion, and mesiras nefesh he has for our community,,,
He is definitely one that the Rebbe , I believe would consider a Roifeh Yedid,
Thank you Dr Rosen wishing you a Freilchen Chanukah,
And I apologize on behalf of anyone who does not take your words seriously. I respect what you do and have studied and provide, immensely.
What is the Gedaliah society’s position on the vaccination?
With the mess in the messaging on the national stage. The simple breakdown without overhyping the situation is very welcome.
We should display this work to national leaders to learn from.
May we continue to be a light onto the nations
Thank you so much, Dr. Rosen and the Gedaliah Society. May I ask you how many people became ill last month, since your last blog post? It is extremely calming to get exact information. You stated that a few became sick each day during the past month, if a few every day means about 3 people a day, 30 days in a month, would a correct estimate be about 100-120 people fell ill during the past month? And how many people ended up in the hospital? New York State always gives this information every day. I would really appreciate knowing… Read more »
Most people do not want to know these details
Gedalia Society for all you do.
Thank you for the voice of clarity amidst these times of chaos!
I mean, it’s not like it’s flu season. It’s not like they stopped testing for the flu. It’s not like the fact that all the flu numbers have disappeared means anything. Definitely not the flu
The coronavirus test is completely different than the one used for the seasonal flu. Many more people got vaccinated for the flu this year than years previously, and people are being much more cautious than usual. The fact that seasonal flu is down this year is of interest to note, but not all that terribly surprising.
Interesting to note that they paused flu testing and counting this year. You’re telling me the flu just disappeared because people are being careful? That’s the biggest joke. Flu cases are being called covid.
Thank you To Dr Rosen and the Gedlayeh Society. I have many siblings in other communities who are like lost lost sheep with only the conflicting media to turn to. You have no idea how much your guidance and insights means to us.