The following update is particularly important, as it contains updated recommendations for the community.
Although NYC as a whole continues to see more and more cases, our community here in Crown Heights has its own local trajectory. Upon analyzing the data from the thousands of responses to our survey and the hundreds of phone calls made throughout Crown Heights, it appears as expected that new cases are few. However it must be brought to everyone’s attention that there are still sporadic cases occurring daily, and it is these new cases that are now the most concerning, as a source of infection for others.
In an attempt to prevent these cases from rekindling the flames, we need to actively identify new cases, test them for the virus, and quarantine them. This represents a change of policy, from the time when there was massive community spread and widespread assumed exposure/infection.
Patients presenting with new onset fever, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches and weakness, should attempt to see their doctor and get tested for Coronavirus at this time. They should NOT wait for results before isolating themselves.
If they are COVID positive, we will ask them and their close contacts (if they have not yet been ill with the virus) to quarantine for 14 days from when the newly ill person first showed symptoms. It is our fervent hope that this process will shut down any further transmission within the neighborhood. Please do not assume that everyone else has already had the disease, and that you cannot infect others; this may be a lethal mistake.
(If these new guidelines cause hardship with respect to Mikvah, please call the hotline for guidance.)
Given the significant percentage of those above 65 who have not had symptoms yet (approximately 40% by our last estimation), there still exists a very real danger. The fact that this sizable portion of the community remains well at this time is likely due to our strict social distancing and isolation, and it is imperative that we continue these behaviors.
As a community, please continue social distancing and wear a mask if you must go out. For those above 65 or immunocompromised/underlying health issues, or those who are ill, please continue to isolate at home.
In conclusion, those with new symptoms suspicious of COVID, ISOLATE YOURSELF, and contact your primary care doctor and try to get tested for COVID. If you test positive, please inform those with whom you have close contact to quarantine for 14 days from when you first showed symptoms. By every member of the community actively involved, and responsible one for another, perhaps we can shut the door on this virus for good!
- The Gedaliah Society, in conjunction with Dr. Rosen
