Wednesday, April 8, 2020

COVID-19 Update#20


Medical Update:

This upcoming Yom Tov will be an unusually hard one, as many of us will be spending it in ways we would not have ever imagined.  Our efforts to continue practicing social distancing are particularly difficult in the setting of a 3-day Yom Tov, and yet are as critical as ever.  We as a community must continue to do our best to protect those around us who are most vulnerable - please continue to stay home as much as possible and avoid congregating in groups and clusters. 

In particular, those that are currently ill are asked to stay home, and their close contacts (if they've not been ill yet) are asked to quarantine as discussed on previous updates. Those above age 65 or with underlying health conditions, please continue to isolate at home. 

Those patients that have just returned home from the hospital, please check in with your doctor to ensure that your medications and other needs are being managed appropriately. 


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Social support services:

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COVID hotline: 212-901-2000. 

  • On Wednesday, Erev Yom Tov, if you have any questions, call and leave a voicemail; we will be returning calls left on the voicemail throughout the day. 
  • The hotline will be OPEN for critical matters over the 3 day Yom Tov. Don’t hesitate to call if you are unsure whether your situation warrants it. Of course, in the event of a medical emergency, please call Hatzalah. 
  • The hotline will be open and staffed on Chol Hamoed from 12pm-8pm, and please feel free to leave a voicemail at any time and the call will be returned.
  • Please note - if you leave a voicemail, we may call you back from a restricted number, so please bear that in mind. 


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Errands helpline: chcovid@gmail.com (alternatively, you may call the hotline 212-901-2000).

  • We hope that you have everything you need at home and are ready for Yom Tov. We will not be open for errands on Wednesday, Erev Yom Tov, but will reopen Sunday at 10am.
    • For Erev YomTov: If you need assistance with an urgent errand like medication pickup, please leave a voicemail on the Gedaliah Society Hotline (212) 901-2000. 
  • Chol Hamoed hours will be: Sunday & Monday 10am-4pm. Tuesday we will not be open.



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Mental health support: 

Please call the hotline above (212-901-2000) and follow the prompts to speak to a mental health professional. 

  • Erev Yom Tov, the mental health hotline will be staffed beginning at 9am.
  • The mental health support hotline will be OPEN for critical matters over the 3 day Yom Tov. Don’t hesitate to call if you are unsure whether your situation warrants it. Of course, in the event of a medical emergency, please call Hatzalah. 



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For those with loved ones in the hospital:

A WhatsApp group has been created to help families going through this difficult time. It is there as a support group as well as a place where you can teach and learn from others who are going through a similar experience.


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May all those that are well remain well, and those that are ill have a complete and speedy Refuah Shleimah! May we know no more pain and suffering, and IYH in the blink of an eye we will find ourselves celebrating Pesach with the Rebbe in Yerushalayim by the Beis Hamikdash.

 - The Gedaliah Society, in conjunction with Dr. Rosen
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