COVID-19 Update #1

•  At this time, COVID-19 has reached epidemic proportions in our community, with many people affected. 

• If you have ANY of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, weakness, or diarrhea, consider yourself as presumed positive for COVID-19. 
• For most, this is a mild illness with a quick recovery. 
• At this time, we are not recommending that those with these symptoms get tested. 

• If you are sick with these symptoms, STAY HOME.
• Take care of yourself with hydration, rest, analgesics (anecdotally, Tylenol better than Advil)
• For all those presumed infected, stay home for at least one week afteronset of symptoms AND 72 hours after fever/respiratory symptoms abate (i.e if fever/symptoms resolve on day 6, then staying home until day 9). 
• At this time, we are considering lingering loss of smell as "not actively symptomatic", and if all other symptoms are clear for 72 hours except for lingering loss of smell, then one may go out if needed wearing a mask. 
• If symptoms are not improving after 5-7 days and especially if you're feeling worse, in particular with shortness of breath, you must seek help. 

• IF YOU ARE ABOVE THE AGE OF 65 OR HAVE ANY CHRONIC ILLNESS:
• YOU ARE AT SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS.
• YOU MUST ISOLATE YOURSELF FROM ALL PUBLIC ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING SHUL, MIKVAH ETC.  
• PLEASE TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY! 

• The rabbonim of the Badatz of Crown Heights are reiterating their call in their public letter that these guidelines must be adhered to as actual Halacha for all practical purpose
• Horav Osoba, Horav Schwei, Horav Braun