By Denis Cyr
“We want to advise you that over the last few weeks, and especially over the previous few days, we have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases,” Hatzolah wrote in a notice issued Tuesday by the organization’s central New York City division
“While [with God’s help] many of the cases appear to be relatively minor,” the advisory said, “there has been an increase in cases with more severe symptoms as well as hospitalizations and ICU admissions.”
The internal memo sent to their members states that they have transported a few COVID-19 cases to the hospital in the past few weeks, and reminds their EMT’s and Paramedics to take all precautions, and wear all protective equipment when responding to emergency calls, YWN reported.
There have new cases reported in multiple Frum communities – including Flatbush, Boro Park, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, Monsey (Rockland County), Lakewood, NJ, and some in the Catskills. There are cases in Cleveland and Toronto as well.
Doctors that YWN spoke with all state the same: While there is no cause for panic, people should continue to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and use hand sanitizers, because that is the only way to stop the spread.
Taking proactive measures will be vital in preventing another outbreak in the Orthodox community which suffered huge infection and death rates at the onset of the pandemic.
TJV Previously reported: in April: Hasidic communities in Brooklyn – specifically, Borough Park and Williamsburg — are reporting a major increase in the number of Jews who are passing away at home. One estimate says the number is now higher than normal by a factor of 10.
In Borough Park, more than 67% of coronavirus tests have come back positive — the highest rate in Brooklyn and sixth highest of any Zip code in New York City.
In Crown Heights, 63.4% of tests are positive, while in Williamsburg the figure is 62.5% and in Midwood it is 60.3%. The average positive test rate across the city is 53%.
Many Orthodox initially were not abiding by social distancing and still holding large wedding, funerals are prayer services ; since the initial outbreak COVID has dropped in the Jewish community and all communities in NYC
“There has been enough death and suffering in our community from Covid-19,” the letter cautioned.
