By COLlive reporter
As the coronavirus continues to spread in the US, Crown Heights community doctors are advising residents to take extra precautions to try to stop an outbreak within our community.
“As of today, there are no confirmed cases in the community, but it is increasingly likely that we will soon have our own case,” Crown Heights Dr. Eli Rosen wrote in a letter to patients.
On Monday, Mayor Bill Deblasio said his administration has thoroughly studied the behavior of the coronavirus and says the real threat is not from world travelers, but rather community spread.
“As we continue to see community transmission between people who have no direct connection to travel to one of the affected countries, we are asking New Yorkers to adjust their routines to stem the spread of the virus where they can,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I cannot reiterate enough that if you feel sick, stay home; we need every New Yorker to do their part to keep their neighbors safe.”
Ahead of the Purim holiday, when thousands will be gathering at parties, events and Megillah readings in the neighborhood, Dr. Eli Rosen implores, “If you or your child are feeling at all unwell, PLEASE: stay home from shul, school, work, and mingling with others until you feel better.
“If you have been advised by the DOH or your doctor to self-quarantine (this means stay home), please be strict in doing so! Quarantine is not a penalty to be ignored, it is protection for others,” Dr. Rosen said.
Coronavirus is known to be dangerous to those with chronic illnesses and the elderly. Therefore, all efforts should be made to keep high-risk people away from crowds and those who are ill. Children with cold symptoms should be kept away from the elderly and infirm.
To avoid the spread of the virus, doctors recommend avoiding large gatherings and to practice proper hygiene, to make sure children are washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently, and coughing in bent elbows.
Rabbi Moshe Pinson, Founder of Bais Shmuel Chabad who is organizing the annual community Purim celebration with singer Mordechai Shapiro and Eli Marcus, says the event will be implementing safety measures for participants.
“Food will be distributed by waiters, so there will be minimal contact with food, and we will have hand sanitizer available,” Pinson said. “We ask everyone to attend responsibly: if you or a family member are feeling unwell, please stay home.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio today issued additional guidance regarding COVID-19. A new case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Bronx today, bringing the citywide total to 13.
Currently, 19 New York City residents are under mandatory quarantine and 2,176 are under voluntary home isolation. Those under mandatory quarantine receive daily calls and twice-weekly unannounced visits by DOHMH. Upon identification, all individuals under voluntary home isolation will receive calls and texts with information and reminders to call a doctor or DOHMH if they feel sick or develop symptoms, such as fever and cough or shortness of breath.
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