SEE DAILY CASES IN NASSAU COUNTY BY COMMUNITY

Vaccination information:  COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker | COVID-19 Vaccine (ny.gov)

https://nassau-county.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/3545ec3d3a3e4ac1babe7d4714fedb56

https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4974/COVID-19-By-The-Numbers

February 25, 2022

January 6, 2022

Update as of January 6, 2022

OFFICIAL:  AS OF MIDNIGHT TONIGHT THERE ARE NO MORE RED COUNTRIES

The Israeli government has removed all countries from the red list beginning midnight between Thursday January 6 and Friday January 7.

Based on this, starting midnight between Thursday January 6 and Friday January 7 Israelis can travel to anywhere in the world with no approval needed.

Starting Saturday night at midnight Israel time between January 8th and 9th, foreigners will be able to enter Israel with no permit provided that:

*You are vaccinated with a second or third dose within 180 days. 14 days must pass from the booster. If more than 180 days have passed since your booster, Israel will honor it until the end of February 2022.

OR

*You hold a digital recovery certificate from the last 180 days from the EU or UK (with a QR code)

(At this point in time there is no automatic allowance for children of any age.  If you need to travel with your children you can try to get a permit from the the consulate link  but these will only be granted in extreme, serious emergency situations.)

If you fall into one of the above categories, all you have to to enter Israel is:

*Complete the pre-flight form within 48 hours of your flight:

https://corona.health.gov.il/en/flight-form-content/

*Get a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure to Israel or a negative lab-based antigen within 24 hours of departure to Israel. (You are exempted from this requirement if you have a positive PCR to show from between 11 days and 3 months before your flight.)

*Schedule your pcr test for when you arrive in Israel: https://testngo.femi.com/en/sign-in

Quarantine: You may quarantine at home. Quarantine period is until  you receive your negative PCR back from Ben Gurion or when 24 hours pass – whichever comes first.

WARNING: Ten percent of passengers arriving in Israel have been testing positive for Corona.  When this happens you must go into quarantine for ten days and the authorities are very strict about this.  Please take this into account when deciding to fly to Israel during this time period. Additionally, recently recovered Corona patients may continue to test positive upon arrival at Ben Gurion. If this happens to you, please be aware that you must apply for release from quarantine and it can take time and effort to longer to secure that release.

We are working with the authorities to secure special exceptions for those who don’t qualify under the new rules but have special reasons to come to Israel. 

We are also beginning a discussion with the authorities to explore solutions for those who have recovered outside of the EU and UK.  This will not be resolved in the very near future but just know that we are working on it, especially for those who cannot be vaccinated or medical reasons.

Please note: If you are in the Aliyah process, please contact Nefesh B’Nefesh (for North America) or the Jewish Agency for information about your flights.

December 23, 2021

Letter from Rabbi Dr Glatt

I was very much hoping that such updates would not be necessary any more, but unfortunately, that is not the case. 

The Omicron variant has been making very rapid inroads across the world, and specifically, it is very prevalent now in the metropolitan area, including Nassau County. This variant is much more contagious than any of the previous strains, including Delta.

As a result, we are unfortunately seeing more and more Covid hospitalizations.

While most hospitalizations, and almost all Covid patients requiring ICU care, and almost all deaths in the US in the past half year have been occurring in unvaccinated persons, we are now seeing more hospitalizations in people who were doubly vaccinated many months ago but who have not yet gotten their booster shots. This is especially true for older patients and those with underlying medical problems.

It is imperative to realize that Omicron infections will occur more frequently in even triply vaccinated persons because it is so highly contagious. However serious illness will be prevented in the vast majority of such patients. Hence the need for a booster dose if you are eligible for one but have not yet received it. This is for all people aged 16 years and older.

Patients who have been reluctant to get vaccinated because they had Covid in the past and felt that they had natural immunity and / or antibodies, are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. There is growing evidence that natural immunity from prior Covid infections will be much less effective against Omicron, whereas vaccination will significantly bolster

their immunity.

Equally important is the fact that the two main currently available monoclonal antibody infusion products do not have efficacy against Omicron. As the greater NYC metropolitan area now has the majority of Covid isolates being the Omicron variant, that means that most major medical centers will stop offering these monoclonal antibody infusions in the immediate future as they will no longer work.

There is an extremely limited supply of a newer monoclonal infusion that may still have efficacy against Omicron, but it will be restricted to a very small number of highest risk patients with early Covid infection. And unfortunately, the FDA authorized medication Molnupiravir also does not seem to have efficacy against Omicron, meaning that we have very limited options to treat Covid-19 pre-hospitalization at the current time. This is particularly worrisome.

I will discuss these and other ramifications of Omicron this Motzei Shabbos December 25th from 8:00 – 8:30 PM on the YIW Zoom

meeting ID: 980 3243 6809
Password: YIW2021 

and on YouTube

Thank you,
Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt

December 16, 2021

By Marcia KramerDecember 14, 2021 at 6:40 pm

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Gov. Kathy Hochul passionately defended her new mask mandate on Tuesday, saying she is trying keep New Yorkers alive during a dramatic surge in holiday COVID-19 cases, while at the same time protecting the fragile health of the state economy.

And she has a warning for elected officials critical of the mandate — voters will hold you accountable, CBS2’s Marcia Kramer reported.

Hochul has received a lot of push-back from county executives, some in office, some newly elected, most Republicans, who have said they will not enforce her business mandate that requires masks unless entrance is limited to only the vaccinated.

She said it’s temporary, a necessary step in beating back the pandemic.

“I’m calling on elected leaders and businesses to say I’ve given us a timeframe. Get us through this holiday surge time, our time of most vulnerability. We know this. This is common sense. Do this so the people you love will still be there to celebrate the holidays with you next year,” Hochul said.

The governor marshaled cold, hard facts about a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases to explain why she felt the time had come to order new mandates to protect people celebrating the holidays — Christmas, Kwanza and New Year’s.

The number of cases per 100,000 people has skyrocketed since Thanksgiving, from 43% last week to 58% on Tuesday, and so have hospitalizations.

“Hospitalizations are up 70% since Thanksgiving, When I announced this on Friday, they had gone up 29%,” Hochul said.

She said it was a “minor inconvenience” for businesses that don’t have a vaccine mandate to require masks, pointing out that she didn’t want to do anything to stress the already fragile economy. New York City, for example, is already down 120,000 jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry and it’s just as devastating in the downtown areas of cities and towns around the state.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

But some county executives, like Marc Molinaro in Dutchess and MaryEllen Odell in Putnam, both Republicans, have said they won’t enforce the mandate or levy fines on businesses that don’t comply.

Incoming Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, also a Republican, said that when he takes office he will order the county health department to stand down.

“We are not in crisis here in Nassau County. Come Jan. 1, it is not my intention to enforce the mask mandate,” Blakeman said Tuesday. “What the governor did was paint the whole state with a broad brush.”

When asked what she would like to say to Blakeman and other county executives who are resisting and thinking that they’re doing the right thing, Hochul said, “We’re not doing this to win any popularity contests. This is just too important. This is about getting us through the pandemic so we can finally say to everybody you no longer have to wear a mask, period. It’s not about scoring political points or getting headlines to call out the governor.”

She had a warning for Blakemen and the others.

“I would not be overconfident in any county about their current state of affairs, with respect to this situation. Every other elected or incoming elected official can make their own determination and you know they’ll have accountability the next time around as well,” Hochul said.

MORE NEWS:Pro Sports Taking Big COVID Hit As Omicron Variant Spreads RapidlyThe governor called her mask mandate a pre-emptive and unobtrusive approach that is a far better choice than having to shut down schools and houses of worship like her predecessor did.

MARCIA KRAMER

Marcia Kramer joined CBS 2 in 1990 as an investigative and political reporter.More from Marcia Kramer

• twitter_url
• facebook_url

2/3

December 10, 2021

Out of 1.4 million residents in Nassau County, there are 107 in the hospital currently with Covid, zero percent.

In studies directly comparing risk of reinfection among previously infected individuals who were never vaccinated versus individuals who were vaccinated after infection, most, but not all, studies show a benefit of vaccination. One retrospective cohort study described risk of reinfection from December 2020–May 2021 among 2,579 US-based healthcare users previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, about 47% of whom were vaccinated over the course of the study. Investigators did not detect any cases of reinfection, regardless of vaccination status during 5 months of observation and so could not detect a benefit of vaccination [91]. In contrast, a case-control study conducted among 738 residents of Kentucky with reported infection during March–December 2020 found that previously infected persons who were unvaccinated had 2.3 times greater odds of reinfection during May–June 2021 than previously infected but vaccinated individuals [92]. Both studies occurred before Delta became the dominant variant in the United States.

More recent observational cohort studies including over 700,000 health system users in Israel and over 11,000 healthcare workers in India reported that history of prior infection provided greater protection from subsequent infection than vaccination alone, but overall risk of infection was lowest among those that were vaccinated following infection during periods of Delta predominance [93, 94]. In the systematic review described above, a pooled analysis across seven studies showed a modest but significant increase in protection from infection when previously infected individuals were vaccinated [79].

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.01.21258176v2  This is cited by the CDC in its footnotes:

October 14, 2021

Thursday, October 7, 2021 Important Covid update from Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt What Should You Do If You Are Exposed To A COVID-19 Person? The CDC states you must quarantine if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19, unless you have been fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated individuals do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, even fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms, and they should wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure, unless they get a negative test after 5-7 days. Testing a second time between day 5-7 is therefore a very reasonable option to identify COVID-19 infected individuals. This is indeed what is recommended for health care workers (next paragraph). Fully vaccinated health care workers with a high-risk exposure should be tested at day 3, and between days 5-7 post-exposure. If signs or symptoms develop at any time in the 14 days following an exposure, one should seek testing asap and isolate at home. What should you do if you are newly diagnosed as COVID-19 positive? It is critically important for a newly diagnosed COVID-19 patient to seek medical attention with a knowledgeable physician who can promptly examine and evaluate you. There are potential therapeutic options such as monoclonal antibody infusions or injections that MIGHT be appropriate, as well as other treatments pending FDA authorization. Plus, there may be warning signs of impending severity of illness that may not be obvious, and follow-up assessment of oxygenation status (how well you are breathing) is very important, especially for people at higher risk. In addition, family members who are exposed should be evaluated regarding COVID-19 testing and whether they need to quarantine.

August 18, 2021

To Lawrence Village Residents:

Due to the ever-changing status of the Covid-19 Pandemic, many residents have asked if Dr. Marc Sicklick, a Village resident and prominent immunologist, could share his thoughts on the current situation.  He has consented to do so below, and we thank him for his efforts and concern:

We’re about a year and a half into the COVID pandemic and we are a lot closer to normal than to the lockdown time.
So I am thankful.

How did we get here?

I had initially hoped for a vaccine with 60% efficiency against death or permanent injury, and expected that it would be released by the summer of 2021. Dr. Fauci had said that 60% benefit was his goal and would be the criteria for the vaccine to be released.  90% efficacy against death wasn’t even a serious consideration.

Operation Warp Speed did the impossible.  It cut through government red tape that slows the release of new and promising drugs. We had a life changing vaccine released in December, 2020, one that not only was developed and released in record time, but one that far exceeded the minimal hoped-for degree of protection, with minimal side effects.

The purpose of the vaccine was never to eliminate COVID, a goal that is just not realistic.  The goal was to make the disease manageable and to not overwhelm the healthcare system. It was “to flatten the curve”.  The reality that fully immunized people are very protected against death and severe illness (although not against infection nor against mild to moderate illness) is a tremendous success that has saved more lives than we can count.

For those who feel that they already had COVID or have antibodies and don’t need the vaccine, studies across the board show that the protection from the vaccine is much greater than from natural disease.  Furthermore, antibodies do not equate with protection.  The commonly tested “antibody” is simply a marker of having been exposed to the virus. It is not a guarantee of immunity. We physicians are all aware of people with high antibody levels, even against the spike protein, the part of the virus that attaches to our cells, who have been sickened and hospitalized. Antibodies, for some, give a false sense of security.

We are currently on an uptick and this is not good.  But if you look at numbers, the peak from the April 2020 surge ( approximately 90,000 infections and 1,000 deaths per day in New York State) was much worse than the January, 2021 peak (45,000 cases per day and about 200 deaths per day) , and the current surge is projected to peak below the January, 2021 peak (20,000 new infections per day and approximately 30 deaths per day are the projections) .We are currently at about 10,000 new infections per day and about 10 deaths per day.   In my estimation, each surge is not as bad as the previous one primarily because of vaccination by man for most, and by nature for others.

I expect the current surge to peak in October, followed by a slow decline.

Of course, there are many variables that can change this projection.

Social distancing is still needed because even vaccinated, asymptomatic people can spread the disease. That does not mean that we can’t have vaccinated friends over for a meal. It means that large gatherings are a recipe for disaster. We need to measure the risk:benefit ratio.

Masking is still needed indoors and in crowded outdoor situations.  The mask is not to protect the wearer from other people, it’s to prevent the wearer from giving the virus to someone else.   It’s part of our social contract with our neighbors. None of us want to be responsible for someone else’s illness or death.

People who are sick in any way should stay home.  You can’t know that “it’s just a cold.”

Frequent handwashing is a must.  This protects YOU.

If these precautions are ignored, the virus will run a worse course.  It will have the time and place to mutate to more contagious and dangerous forms. Worse case projections do go to the same numbers as last January by mid-October.

In the meantime, society needs to immunize as many people as possible.  People who get sick still need to be tested for COVID and need to seek medical help if they test positive, not wait it out until they feel really sick.  Antivirals and infused antibodies and better supportive care all have a role in reducing mortality and morbidity, but if someone waits too long, their effectiveness may not be there.

Those who are afraid to get the vaccine should discuss it with their doctor, not with a neighbor. I remember being lined up in school for the Salk polio vaccine, a disease that infected 52,000 people in the year before the vaccine was released.  When the vaccine was released, our parents were thrilled.  No one debated trusting the government.  I truly believe that if social media were present then, some people, like today, would have spread fear and misinformation, and we would still be having polio outbreaks.  Measles would similarly still be widely present, as outbreaks in unimmunized communities show us.   The measles vaccine was released and administered about 10 years after the polio vaccine with no fanfare and without loud opposition.  Neither led to surprise, unexpected side effects.

Boosters are coming out soon.  Israel is looking at giving a booster to all people over age 40.  To date, the side effects of the third dose are not worse than those reported after the first or second dose.

I expect COVID to be around for a long time, but I also expect it to be manageable for society and for a return to normalcy once enough people are protected.
—
Marc J. Sicklick, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., F.A.C.A.A.I.
123 Grove Avenue
Suite 110
Cedarhurst, NY 11516

phone 516-569-5550
fax      516-210-0080
email   marcjsicklickmd@gmail.com

July 28, 2021

930,000 out of 1.4million Nassau County Residents have been vaccinated at least once.  There are 28 people in Nassau County hospitals resulting from Covid19, .002% of the population.

People are packed in Costco, Target and the malls, camps and schools with unvaccinated kids are open.  But after 18 months of seniors being shut in, and during the longest days of the year, when seniors are desperate to be occupied, our local libraries and social service organizations have kept their services shut to in-person programming.  I see the malaise of workers used to staying at home and working from home.  We are donating and paying these workers to zoom, when they should be at work creatively engaging seniors.

Because 28 people in the entire Nassau County are in the hospital, 18% of the population are denied vital programming.  As I speak with the local organizations regarding the situation, they tell me they will open up in the fall…Oh really? When historically, the pandemic revs up again?  I really never understood why our social organizations act like they are schools, decreasing and eliminating summer senior programming, just as the days get longer, and seniors need it most.  It’s plain idiocy and myopism, and we dont demand more.

So I say to the local shuls and churches and libraries and JCCs and JASAs, open your doors now, our seniors need to interact just as much as our children, if not more.  Open your doors now.  There are no reasons for library personnel and social service personnel to be home any more.  OPEN OUR LIVE SENIOR PROGRAMMING.

April 30, 2021

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt will be giving his Motzei Shabbos COVID-19 update this week, May 1st at 9:30 PM  on Zoom & YouTube Live

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ZOOM

Meeting ID: 980 3243 6809 Password: SUMMER2020 or by phone: 929 205 6099

CLICK HERE TO JOIN VIA YOUTUBE LIVE

Young Israel of Woodmere

April 23, 2021

As positive Covid cases continue to rise, vaccination fatique seems to be setting in.  44% of New Yorkers have been vaccinated, the numbers of those seeking vaccinations have declined to the point where Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that those over 60 can walk into any vaccination center without an appointment and get vaccinated, and the counties in New York have slowed or ceased their orders for additional vaccine allocations.

April 14, 2021

Your Covid-19 Vaccine Questions Answered: With Nassau County Executive Laura Curran Wednesday, April 14, 2021 @ 7:00pm We know that many people have concerns and queries about safety, availability, eligibility, & administration. We would like to help you get those answers. To JOIN   https://zoom.us/j/5166135555 ​​​​​​​ Code: 2020 All questions for the County Executive must be submitted in advance to our moderator, Jordan Hiller (jordan@hillerlegal.com). We are accepting questions related to Covid-19, the Vaccine Roll-Out, & the Islanders. We look forward to virtually welcoming you & the County Executiveto the community.

March 31, 2021

Nassau Legislator Howard Kopel Update

March 31, 2021

LD7 Update

COVID-19 Memorial

Last week, I joined in a unanimous vote by the Nassau County Legislature to establish a permanent memorial at Eisenhower Park to honor and remember those who have perished from the pandemic, including more than 3,000 precious lives lost in Nassau County alone. The bill to create the memorial has been sent to the County Executive for her signature with a goal of having it in place later this year. I also attended a vigil service Monday, March 22 along with other government officials and religious leaders to pay tribute to those lost due to the deadly virus.

Nassau Coliseum and Senior Vaccination Hotline

It is also gratifying to acknowledge two other COVID-19 related proposals that I have been advocating for that have finally come to fruition, the first being the opening of the Nassau Coliseum this week to serve as a mass COVID-19 vaccination site and the other a dedicated phone number for seniors to call to make vaccine appointments.

For months, my colleagues in the Legislative Majority and I called on the state and the County Executive to open a site at the Nassau Coliseum. Likewise, we requested a dedicated line for seniors be created after hearing from so many who were struggling with the challenges of making their appointments online.  With both provisions now in place, more of our residents will have access to the vaccine, especially those who are most vulnerable.  Now, seniors can call the coronavirus hotline at 516-227-9590 with questions or to get the help they need to schedule their vaccine appointments at the Nassau Coliseum or other available locations. The hotline operates Monday-Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. Nassau County is also maintaining a pre-registration list for everyone eligible to receive the vaccine.  To learn more or to sign up, please visit: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine.

As I travel around the district, there’s an air of encouragement from the increased flow of vaccines and the growing numbers of our residents who have been vaccinated.  While we are not out of the woods yet, there’s a sense of optimism that better days are on the horizon. In the meantime, I will continue to look for ways to address COVID-19 that will yield positive results for all of us.

Food Banks

On another note, I am joining my colleagues in the Legislative Majority in supporting two virtual food drives, one that’s being coordinated by Island Harvest Food Bank to help benefit clients of The Safe Center LI and the other by Long Island Cares-The Harry Chapin Food Bank.  As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Long Islanders particularly hard and while area food pantries have ramped up their collection and distribution efforts, the surge in demand has created even more challenges than usual.

Donating is fast and easy and can be accomplished by visiting either of the following websites:

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/IslandHarvestFoodBank/FeedingNassau

https://yougivegoods.com/nassaulegislaturefooddrive2021

I encourage my fellow Long Islanders to show their generosity by assisting us in this worthwhile endeavor to help those struggling with food insecurity.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Howard J. Kopel

Legislator, District 7

March 18, 2021

March 1, 2021

Petition – Calls for a New Testing Site

Earlier this month, I called on Governor Cuomo to open a mass vaccination site at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum similar to the ones he has opened at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and other New York City locations. So far, those calls have fallen on deaf ears. Please join me in urging the governor to establish this mass vaccination site by signing my petition at the following link: https://app.nassaucountyny.gov/leg/forms/09/vaccination_pet.php?ld_code=7

February10, 2021

1. to prevent death
2. to prevent hospitalization
3. to prevent serious illness
4. to prevent moderate illness
5. to prevent mild illness
6. to prevent infection

February 5, 2021

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt will be giving his Motzei Shabbos COVID-19 update this week, February 6th, at 8:00 PM on Zoom & YouTube Live He will be discussing 1) Updated safety data for the current Covid-19 Vaccines 2) Efficacy of the new Covid-19 Vaccines 3) Epidemiology in the US and Israel and the new strains 4) Purim and Covid 5) Can I go away for Pesach? 6) Q & A Session

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ZOOM

Meeting ID: 980 3243 6809 Password: SUMMER2020 or by phone: 929 205 6099

January 18, 2021

Tomorrow night – Motzei Shabbat January 23, 2021 – 7:45 pm presented by Young Israel of Woodmere

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt will be giving his Motzei Shabbos COVID-19 update this week, January 23rd, at 7:45 PM on Zoom & YouTube Live He will be discussing 1) New information regarding Covid-19 Vaccine efficacy and side effects 2) Update on current vaccine availability 3) New vaccines 4) Covid treatment update 5) Epidemiology update 6) Q & A Session _________________________________________ Zoom info Meeting ID: 980 3243 6809 Password: SUMMER2020 or by phone: 929 205 6099 PasteCtrl+V Zoom link  click here _____________________________________ Click here to join UTUBE LIVE !

Dear Community, There has been a lot of confusion and anxiety lately regarding possible treatment options for Coronavirus (COVID-19), specifically concerning the new vaccines and the use of Monoclonal Antibody Treatment. Acknowledging that we are not health care providers, we want to update you with the latest information we have regarding these treatments. We will try our best to keep the community updated as soon as we receive additional details. Vaccines: Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, we are working tirelessly and extremely close with the NYC Department of Health, The Village of Lawrence, New York State and Northwell Health to set up community vaccination sites as soon as possible. We understand the anxiety levels of numerous elderly community members and others with pre-existing conditions and are doing everything in our power to accelerate this process. Though vaccines are not yet available to the general public, we will keep the community informed as soon as they are. Bamlanivimab /Monoclonal Antibody Treatment: With regards to Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, which has been shown to be highly effective, below is a list of local hospitals that offer this treatment at their outpatient infusion centers, together with numbers to call to schedule an appointment. Additionally, the general criteria to be eligible for monoclonal antibodies is listed below. Note that each hospital’s criteria may vary slightly and advance registration is required. It is therefore preferable that one’s physician contact these centers if they fit general criteria to confirm eligibility for treatment and schedule the appointment. Northwell Health North Shore University Hospital (516) 918-6089 Mt. Sinai South Nassau (516) 632-4998 Maimonides Medical Center- ER walk-in only New York Community Hospital- ER walk-in only ODA-Wallabout Health Center (Williamsburg) call (718) 260-4600 (9AM-5PM) to make an appointment Ezra Medical Center (Boro Park) call (718) 686-2006 (9AM-5PM) to make an appointment General Criteria for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment: Monoclonal Antibody Treatment has been approved for mild to moderate COVID-19 for adults and pediatric patients who meet all of the following criteria: positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing  (it is recommended to be administered as soon as possible after positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2 and within 10 days of symptom onset) 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg (about 88 lbs) high risk patients High risk is defined as patients who meet at least one of the following criteria: Body mass index (BMI) ≥35 Chronic kidney disease Diabetes Immunosuppressive disease Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment ≥ 65 years of age ≥55 years of age AND have cardiovascular disease, or hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/other chronic respiratory disease. 12-17 years of age AND have BMI ≥85th percentile for their age and gender-based on CDC growth charts (https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm), or sickle cell disease, or congenital or acquired heart disease, or neurodevelopmental disorders, for example, cerebral palsy, or a medical-related technological dependence, for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation (not related to COVID-19), or asthma, reactive airway or other chronic respiratory disease that requires daily medication for control. Monoclonal Antibodies are not authorized for use in patients who are: Hospitalized due to COVID-19, or Requiring oxygen therapy due to COVID-19, or Requiring an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19, for those on chronic oxygen therapy due to underlying non-COVID-19 related comorbidity. For additional questions regarding these treatments or any hospital-based support needs, please email mschorr@achiezer.org Wishing the entire community a safe and healthy weekend.

January 15, 2021

Curran Announces New County Vaccination Distribution Center

Westbury Vaccine Site Opened Today, Jan. 9 in Partnership with NYS and Northwell Health

Nassau County, NY  – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced today the opening of a new COVID-19 vaccine distribution center, in partnership between the County, Northwell Health and New York State at the “Yes We Can” Community Center in Westbury. The vaccines will be administered by Nassau County Department of Health staff, Members of Nassau County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) with assistance from Northwell Health, which has been designated by New York State as Long Island’s vaccination HUB.  The center began vaccinations today, January 9 for residents who meet the criteria set forth by New York State.

“Nassau County is leading the way with distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine as we open another vaccine POD.” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Along with our hospital partners we have already vaccinated tens of thousands of residents–we are not wasting any time or any doses.  I am committed to providing equitable access to the vaccine, especially in our hardest hit communities such as the Westbury/New Cassel area. The County will continue to build the infrastructure to dole out this vaccine as quickly and effectively as possible as supply comes in. Thank you to all the volunteers who are the gears keeping our vaccine machine running at full speed.  I encourage all residents who are eligible to roll up their sleeve and get the vaccine.  We can do it, Nassau!”

The site at the “Yes We Can” Community Center in Westbury will be operating 7 days a week to vaccinate eligible residents with an appointment. The announcement comes less than a week after the County vaccine center opened at Nassau Community College and inoculated over one thousand people.

New York State continues to expand the criteria for who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For regular updates on who is currently eligible for the vaccine under New York State’s guidance and to make an appointment, residents can visit the County’s vaccine website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine. Only those who meet the criteria can make an appointment at this time. The vaccine will be provided for free regardless of insurance or immigration status.

As of Friday, January 8, the following residents meet the criteria to the vaccine as per the New York State prioritization guidance:

• High-risk hospital staff, affiliates, volunteers and contract staff including State-operated Office of Mental Health (OMH) psychiatric centers
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel
• Medical Examiners and Coroners
• Funeral workers who have direct contact with infectious material and bodily fluids.
• Health care, other high-risk direct care essential staff and agency staff working in Long Term Care Facilities and long-term, congregate settings overseen by Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
• Residents living in Long Term Care Facilities and in long-term congregate settings overseen by OPWDD, OMH and OASAS
• FQHC staff
• Urgent Care providers
• Any staff administering COVID-19 vaccinations
• All public facing health care workers including those who provide direct in-person patient care or other staff in a position where they have direct contact with patients.
• Hospice workers and home health aides
• Law Enforcement with ALS (advanced lifesaving) certification

“A successful, equitable rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine is the key to ensuring New Yorkers are protected from the coronavirus, and our community is able to reopen and recover from the pandemic era.  It’s critical that every community have access to this life-saving resource, and I’m grateful to County Executive Curran and Governor Cuomo for working together to open a vaccination distribution center at the Yes We Can Center in Westbury. I encourage everyone in our community to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated as soon as they are able,” said Senator Anna Kaplan.

“Residents of communities like New Cassel and Westbury have played an indispensable role in Nassau County’s pandemic response through their labor as frontline workers, medical professionals and first responders. By establishing this site at the Yes We Can Center, Nassau County and the Town of North Hempstead are recognizing the valiant efforts of these essential workers,” said Nassau County Legislator Siela A. Bynoe. “Most importantly, we are increasing access to the COVID-19 vaccine by embedding this life-saving service in a residential community that has been greatly impacted by the pandemic.”

“The early emergence of COVID-19 vaccines has brought on much needed optimism for the future,” said North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “While availability has been limited, more residents will become eligible to receive the vaccine as distribution centers continue to open and New York’s supply increases. With that said, we are proud to partner with County Executive Curran to make vaccinations available at our facility in Westbury.”

“As a Town we continue to collectively monitor and address the uphill battle of the current pandemic caused by Covid -19 and now the virus’ variant strain of B117. Having access to the newly available Moderna vaccine at a Point of Distribution location set up here at our easily accessible “Yes We Can” Community Center now provides a strong opportunity to keep this deadly virus at bay. As a heavily impacted area, this POD will greatly benefit the community and serve as a strong deterrent against the virus here in New Cassel/Westbury and the surrounding areas,” said North Hempstead Councilwoman Viviana Russell.

December 21, 2020

LEGISLATOR HOWARD KOPEL

LD7 Update

Coronavirus Numbers

Nassau County has been averaging between 700 to 800 positive cases of COVID-19 each day (Suffolk seeing close to 1000). These numbers are high, but unlike in the spring, many of these positive cases are asymptomatic. In March and April, the county was only testing people who had shown symptoms.

As of yesterday, there were 459 patients with COVID-19 in Nassau County hospitals. 61 are in the ICU, and 37 are on ventilators. Our hospitals have the capacity. We have 100 ICU beds available and over 500 regular hospital beds. Our hospitals are adding capacity as a precaution if the numbers increase.

Flu Shot

As we move deeper into flu season, health officials are concerned about increasing flu cases, which leads to a greater demand for hospital beds. It is more important than ever this year to get a flu shot, which will help make sure hospitals continue to have the capacity for COVID-19 patients.

New York is using a “zone” system to identify areas where there are spikes; the zones can then be targeted for additional resources and restrictions. There have not been any new areas added as “Yellow Zones” within the county this week.

Vaccines

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was approved late last night. This vaccine does not have the “mega-cold” storage requirement and is easier to administer. This will increase the number of vaccines available to Nassau County residents.

As has been reported, the first vaccines have been administered. The county currently has a small supply, and high-risk healthcare workers are the first to receive the vaccine. Next week, CVS and Walgreens will be receiving the Moderna vaccines, which will be going to nursing home patients and staff. As greater supply become available, EMS and first responders will receive the vaccine, followed by people with high-risk conditions.

There has been news coverage of allergic reactions in some patients to the Pfizer vaccine. Allergic reactions are rare and treatable. These reactions do happen with many medications when they are first introduced.

As the vaccine supply increases, testing resources will be shifted to vaccination. Governmental and health authorities will have to figure out a way to increase vaccinations and continue testing simultaneously.

Nassau County Bar Association

The Nassau County Bar Association is offering free legal advice to Nassau residents and small business owners navigating issues brought on by COVID-19.

You can email covidhelp@nassaubar.org for assistance. Your email will be promptly reviewed by a Nassau County Bar Association (NCBA) staff member and directed to an NCBA member attorney who has volunteered to assist you through a consultation. You will receive a response within two business days.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

Stay safe and be well.

SHOULD ONE TAKE THE COVID VACCINE

1. Should the vaccine be given to those with  previous infection?   Yes
2. Should the vaccine be given to those with antibodies?  Yes
3. Will it be given to children?  Not at the present time.  The studies are under way. Pfizer is down to age 16, Moderna to 18
4. What will the vaccine cost?  It is free
5. Is it okay to get the covid vaccine together with other vaccines?  It is not recommended to do so
6. If I have a significant, but not life threatening, reaction to the first dose, should I still take the second dose?  Yes
7. Should I take the vaccine if I have an allergy to one of its components?  Probably not

One last  point. Some people are afraid of the “new” mRNA technology and worry about potential side effects. While the use of mRNA in a vaccine is new, the mRNA technology is not. It has been around for years.

In fact, the vaccine could have  been produced before the first wave in the spring. It wasn’t produced then because politicians and the press kept pressing the mantra of  “not cutting corners”. They wanted a full FDA review and absolute safety despite the situation on the ground. We all remember Governor Cuomo saying he needed to have his own advisors vet the vaccine because he didn’t trust the FDA and CDC. We remember the criticism of both Russian and Chinese vaccination programs because they felt the risk:benefit ratio favored early immunization rather than prolonged testing while the American press and politicians didn’t.

This attitude was not limited to New York. In our political leaders’ calculations, and in the press gestalt, the risk of fallout from “cutting corners”, of making a political decision that could be imperfect, outweighed the potential benefit of a new and previously untried  vaccine for a disease that was killing scores every day. Potential vaccine side effects were felt to outweigh the ongoing disease caused deaths.

General George Patton was a very successful World War II tactician because his mantra was-  A good plan today is better than a great plan in three weeks.

The other modalities of treatment, ranging from pooled antibodies to blood thinners to anti- inflammatory drugs to non-ventilator methods to deliver oxygen are also being fine tuned . All are beneficial and will help to reduce the mortality level.  They are available today.  Contact your physician to see what your current medical options are.

Sincerely yours,

Marc J. Sicklick, M.D.

October 28, 2020

Early Voting 

@ Lawrence Country Club

101 Causeway

Lawrence, NY 

 

Tuesday 10/27                 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday 10/28           6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday 10/29               10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday     10/30                 6:00 AM- 7:00 PM

Sunday   11/1                   10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Friday October 30th, 11:30am, Nassau County Executive, Laura Curran will officially open the newest Covid Testing Site in Lawrence, located at the Gural JCC Herr Campus, 140 Central Avenue, Lawrence, in the parking lot.

October 22, 2020

NEW LOCAL COVID TESTING SITES: RAPID RESULTS

NEW TEST SITE TO OPEN WITHIN DAYS AT THE GURAL JCC KERR CAMPUS LOCATED AT 140 CENTRAL AVENUE, LAWRENCE.  STAY TUNED.

I was proud to announce yesterday a partnership between Nassau County, New York State and Mount Sinai South Nassau to provide free, drive-through COVID-19 rapid testing in the Five Towns. Robust testing is vital to stopping the spread of the virus, and my Administration is committed to expanding access to testing for residents. Testing began yesterday at the Five Towns Community Center and will be expanded to the Five Towns Jewish Community Center (JCC) next week. Mount Sinai South Nassau is now offering rapid molecular COVID-19 testing Monday through Saturday at the Five Towns Community Center located at 270 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence, NY 11559. Hours of operation will be 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM. All COVID-19 testing is provided free regardless of immigration status. Appointments are required, and can be made by calling 516-390-2888. We must keep the virus under control to ensure that schools, businesses, and houses of worship can stay open, and other still-closed industries can also open their doors. Let’s continue to do our part by following the common-sense precautions, like wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying six feet apart. Sincerely,

October 16, 2020

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 1 in 8 women nationwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have put off getting screened for breast cancer and other dangerous diseases. Please do not put off life-saving cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives!

TOH Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and I will be hosting the NUMC Mobile Mammography Van at the Oceanside Library Parking lot, Wednesday 10/21 from 8 AM – 12:30 PM. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, please call my office at 516 571 6207 to schedule your appointment today!

World Mental Health Day

This weekend will be World Mental Health Day.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health awareness was highlighted as an important part of personal health and wellbeing. Dealing with a pandemic on this scale is an unprecedented task for even the best of us, and we all need help sometimes.  Let’s end the stigma associated with mental health. For more information, click here.

Assessment Department Hours

The Nassau County Department of Assessment will be opening extended hours in the next few weeks for Nassau residents who have questions and need help.   To find out if you are eligible for an exemption, check out this link:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3575/Exemption-Forms

COVID-19 Update

As of October 7^th, there were 64 people total in Nassau County hospitals with COVID-19. 5 of those people were on ventilators. This week, Governor Cuomo unveiled his Cluster Action Initiative, which highlight twenty COVID-19 hotspots in the state, and place restrictions on them. The most serious hotspots are colored in red, with the next being in orange, and then next in yellow. No Nassau County zip code is in the top twenty or colored red, but some areas abut hotspots in Queens and are orange and yellow.

In Queens, Far Rockaway has been designated a hotspot, and has been colored as red. Parts of Inwood and Lawrence are colored orange, and other parts of Inwood and Lawrence, along with parts of Cedarhurst, are colored yellow.

The latest statistics continue to show a relatively moderate 1.6% rate of positive tests for COVID-19 in Nassau County, as a whole. However, the Five Towns has 8 times the rate of the rest of the County.

We are all aware of the stories blaming one group or another for bad behavior thereby increasing the spread, thus endangering others. This is wrong and unfair. There are, to be sure, individuals that flout the rules. Those people are being irresponsible and unfair to the great majority that plays by the rules, causing schools, Synagogues, Churches and businesses in the affected areas being forced to close and, much worse, endangering lives and livelihoods. But the great majority of people of every group in our District and, especially, their leaders, are being careful and encourage others to be careful as well.

I also want to point out that some of our public officials (I’m looking at you, Mayor DeBlasio and Governor Cuomo,) put out contradictory and illogical messaging, where some politically favored groups are allowed to congregate without guardrails, while others are stifled. This creates cynicism among those held back and skepticism that the advice given is sincere and necessary. It creates excuses for some people to ignore the rules.

Here’s my take on all of this. We all need to protect ourselves and our families, especially the most vulnerable among us, such as seniors and those with medical conditions. Regardless of what the officials tell us, many of us know people who have been very ill, and some who have died from COVID-19. I personally knew several who have died, and more who have been extremely ill. By now, we all know exactly what needs to be done to accomplish some semblance of normalcy. To be sure, it is difficult and unpleasant to constantly wear a mask near friends and acquaintances (I hate the sour taste in my mouth that quickly comes from wearing masks, but I do it when near strangers, especially indoors.) We all want to get back to normal. And we can get a good part of the way back by being careful.

I want to close with some relatively good news. COVID-19 is a deadly disease, as we have seen, but the medical community has learned a lot about how to treat it, and the mortality rate is much lower now than it was in the spring. In Nassau County, according to the Commissioner of Health, the mortality rate is now .5%. That is still scary, and getting severely ill even if you recover is no walk in the park. But things are getting somewhat better. Also, vaccines are on the way. I know that people are worried about taking a vaccine because of the hurry with which they are being developed. But weigh the risks here – which is more scary, taking the vaccine, or getting COVID-19? The answer will be different for different people. For myself, if the CDC approves a vaccine as safe and effective, I will plan to take it when available. The Nassau County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Eisenstein has also said that he plans to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

As always, I welcome the great comments, criticism (and, especially, attaboys!) from all of you. Stay safe!

Sincerely,

October 5, 2020

LAWRENCE ON THE VERGE OF HOTSPOT DESIGNATION

The following Vaad Establishments have arranged to have a sukkah up for Chol Hamoed Sukkos 2020-תשפ”א. Bogo Pizza Carlos & Gabby’s Coffee Bar Chosen Island Cork & Slice Doma Famous Pita Five Towns Premier Gotta Getta Bagel Holy Schnitzel Jerusalem Pizza Laffa Bar Mur Pizzale Prime Bistro Sunflower Cafe Sushi Pie Traditions Upper Crust West Wing Wok Tov

October 2, 2020

October 1, 2020

COMMUNITY RABBIS’ LETTER

Dear Esteemed Community, Introduction and Appreciation We find ourselves on the cusp of the Chag HaSukkos. We have thankfully just had Yomim Noraim in which we had many Minyanim and we are hopeful that we will have a Sukkos in which we can rejoice as the Torah commands us to. On this festival we live in our Sukkos to commemorate the Ananei HaKavod that Hashem provided for protection in the desert when we left Egypt, and we could certainly use that protection in our times. As always, Hashem invites us to be His partners in creation and we can join in the spirit of Sukkos by helping to protect each other while celebrating Sukkos. Being Hashem’s partners and protecting each other by following the guidance of our medical professionals is essential in order to maintain our presence in Shuls, schools, and businesses. In preparing those guidelines we owe a debt of gratitude to our medical professionals, especially to Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt who has been leading our community, guiding our shuls, our schools, our camps, and our members in the response to this crisis. While it is difficult to continue living socially distant lives we must remain vigilant in our adherence to public safety protocols so as to protect each other and save lives. We will continue to follow our expert based medical policies and maintain “mask only” and “proper distancing” in all our shuls and minyanim. We must respect and observe County and State guidelines as we work with our elected officials to maintain our safety and security. A broader 5 Towns, Far Rockaway Rabbinic communal letter discussing distancing and masking will be forthcoming later. Critical Communal Guidelines As such our celebration of Sukkos this year will not look the same as it has in the past. We are working hard with our schools in an effort to keep our shuls and schools open. To that end we strongly support the following 3 sets of guidelines: Our schools have reached out to our community urging parents to take the school safety rules seriously, with serious consequences for violations. We fully support and endorse this as we try to keep our community open and functioning. Many schools have also issued explicit guidelines about traveling and hosting guests over Sukkos. Our shuls will be working with our schools and we will not be allowing visiting teens to be joining us in shul or for hang outs. This is a stay-at-home Yom Tov. We support their guidelines of maintaining social distancing, not having sleepover company outside of family, and keeping all quarantine laws and guidelines. Our shuls all have strict policies about masking, distancing and about who is not allowed to come to shul (people with symptoms, travellers from States on the quarantine list, people in quarantine, people who have been tested due to exposure or symptoms but not received the results). While each shul may have different applications, advisory committees and consequences, we are all coming together to state strongly: if you have reason not to be in shul for a COVID related concern, you may not come to any of our shuls or any backyard minyan. You are obligated to daven at home and maintain the quarantine instructions you have received. We will do everything we can to ensure the safety of our community and our communal institutions. We need your help in taking this seriously so we can succeed in keeping our shuls and schools open, and keeping our entire community safe. Planning for Sukkos In order to maintain the balance between celebrating Sukkos and protecting our community we are putting in place some guidelines for celebrating Sukkos under the current circumstances.. a.              Guests for Yom Tov and Meals i.Sukkos is usually a time for family and friends, and after so many months of isolation, many of us just want to get back into the normal swing of things. However, caution needs to be taken and any decision about having guests should be made in consultation with one’s regular physician. Here are a few important pointers: People traveling in from States which are on the NY State travel advisory should not be invited into one’s home. Anyone who is in quarantine, has symptoms, or has taken a COVID test due to potential COVID exposure but has not yet received results, should not be invited into one’s home. Families that have been overall careful may think of having socially distant meals in their Sukkah as a family pod or within their regular bubbles but should not have multiple families at one meal and should limit guests entirely to one or two specific families. If having guests in your Sukkah, it is best if the Sukkah is set to allow for proper spacing when sitting down. If inclement weather prevents using the Sukkah, plans should be cancelled rather than just eating inside. b.              Hoshanos .Hoshanos present a concern of traffic as many people cluster together to circle around the Bima. Each Rabbi will be making specific recommendations for their shul which may include limiting the number of people who encircle the Bima during Hoshanos or not encircling the Bima at all during Hoshanos if the space does not safely accommodate people moving around with sufficient distancing. Obviously large open areas would make it easier to accommodate Hoshanos in a more complete way and each Rabbi will set guidelines for his Minyanim. c.              Sukkah hops .Sukkah hops in their regular format with kids running in groups from Sukkah to Sukkah is something which simply cannot take place this year. Creative alternatives for children’s involvement in Sukkos will have to be considered while maintaining mask wearing and proper distancing. d.              Simchas Beis Hashoeva .Research has shown that events which involve food, singing, and proximity are potential super spreader events. This year we will need to think about alternative Torah events and properly distanced events to take the place of our regular signing and dancing. e.              Hakafos  Like Simchas Beis Hashoevas, Hakafos as they are conducted in a regular year will not be possible this year. Singing, holding hands, and spending lots of time in close proximity is the recipe for a possible super spreader event. Each Rabbi will make recommendations for his shul based on the logistics, the space and the crowds within each shul, which may include using multiple smaller locations, having certain people nominated for each Hakafa, and doing shorter Hakafos while everyone else remains in their distanced places. In the place of these more elaborate and involved Hakafos, we will need to celebrate our completion of the Torah with more Torah study and safely distanced and masked shiurim. f.               Kol Hanearim .Having all the children under the big Talis is one of the highlights of Simchas Torah. Unfortunately this will not be possible this year. Instead we are recommending having in shul only children who can wear masks and sit next to their parents. When the aliya is read, each parent can sit with their child, and should they desire they can use their personal talis to cover their child during the aliya. g.              Aliyos There is a minhag for every man above bar mitzvah to receive an aliyah on Simchas Torah. This is a beautiful minhag and it can still be done with more careful logistics. One possible  recommendation is there being sign ups for each different satellite minyan which is leining in order to ensure small groups that can maintain safe distance. In shuls where the option is available, it is certainly best to use plexiglass dividers for aliyos. Those who do not feel comfortable coming to shul yet should not put themselves at risk to come out for an Aliya on Simchas Torah. Some Shuls may not be able to make safe arrangements given the setup of their Minyanim and each Rabbi will decide if his Shul will be giving aliyos along these guidelines. Smachos and Kiddushim We are coming up to a joyful time of year. Following the Yomim Tovim, we usually have a good number of Smachos in our community. We are thankful for every celebration. However, clear research has demonstrated that the wedding season during August and September was one of the cardinal reasons for the spread of the virus. We therefore must be very cautious even as we anticipate the coming Smachos. It should be obvious that every Simcha made should abide by State guidelines of social and religious gatherings. This information in readily available at https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/ReligiousandFuneralServicesSummaryGuidance.pdf ; and https://forward.ny.gov/reopening-what-you-need-know ; The last thing any baal simcha would want is for their simcha to be the spread of disease. That being the case, social distancing for seats during the ceremony and meal must be maintained. Masks should be mandated for all guests at the Simcha, and dancing in its current form needs to be reconsidered. With the rise in cases and exposure, it should be a time for baalei simcha to consider cutting back on their guest lists limiting their smachos to family and a few very close friends. No one should feel they have to stay at a Simcha they are uncomfortable at because of lax guidelines, and we, as Rabbonim, will not feel comfortable being at a Simcha which does not adhere to State guidelines, social distancing, and masking. In addition there has been a rise of backyard Smachos over the past months, many of which were beautiful, but many of which have not adhered to adequate safety guidelines. We strongly advise the community not to put themselves at risk at such large unmasked social venues, which display little concern for the safety of others. Similarly, we have not been having Kiddush in shul, and backyard Kiddushim that don’t adhere to social distance guidelines can be dangerous. We urge our community members to participate and daven exclusively in shuls or minyanim where there will be careful oversight of the current safety standards. It is at times of crisis that we come together and unite safely to daven to Hashem for salvation. Conclusion Towards the end of the Chazaras Hashatz on the Yomim Noraim, there is a powerful piyut which begins with the words Avinu Malkeinu. In it we beseech Hashem to save us from: דבר וחרב ורעב ושבי ומשחית ועוון ומגיפה ופגע רע, וכל מחלה “Pestilence, violence, starvation, servitude, destruction, plague, negative happenings and disease” We then add: וכל תקלה וכל קטטה וכל מיני פורעניות וכל גזירה רעה ושנאת חינם, מעלינו ומעל כל בני בריתך “And all stumbling blocks, and all fighting, punishment, evil decrees and baseless hatred.” It is essential at this trying time that we do not devolve into unnecessary and ugly bickering or verbal attacks on each other. We hope this will be a year of health, and even if we have disagreement, a year of respectful dialogue. With blessings for a full salvation and a Chag Sameach. Rabbi Shalom Axelrod Rabbi Benny Berlin Rabbi Mordechai Benhaim Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff Rabbi Ira Ebbin Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman Rabbi Dr. Aaron E. Glatt Rabbi Kenneth Hain Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz Rabbi Avi Miller Rabbi Jonathan Muskat Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff Rabbi Shay Schachter Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Rabbi Steven Siegel Rabbi Binyamin Silver Rabbi Asher Stern Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi Ya’akov Trump Rabbi Dov Winston Rabbi Akiva Willig Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf

September 25, 2020

 

Marc J. Sicklick, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., F.A.C.A.A.I. Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 123 Grove Avenue, Suite 110 Cedarhurst, NY 11516 Telephone 516-569-5550 Fax 516-210-0080 www.marcsicklick.com September 24, 2020 As we get into the fall, COVID 19 seems to be doing what other coronaviruses do.  Most past coronaviruses tended to decrease in mid-spring, in May, and return in the early fall. There is no reason to think that COVID-19 will be different.  The summer drop off in numbers and deaths was not the end of the epidemic.  It was a brief, expected lull that has ended. This is not the time to ease up, neither because of a misguided feeling that “it’s over” which is unfathomable to me, nor because of burn out. It is the time to increase vigilance and prevention. The disease will be here for the foreseeable future and we have to adapt to the new reality. If a doctor tells a patient that they have a horrible, potentially fatal disease, but if they are willing to go through a year or two of absolute misery they will be cured and go on to have years of normal life, does anyone think the patient would not be willing to go through it?  We’re being asked, not to go through misery and suffering, but rather to go through inconvenience and annoyance.  How can we say no to that? Local numbers from yesterday in the Five Towns showed that the percentage positive, which was below 1% all summer and went up to about 1.5% over the past week, jumped to 3.5%.  Far Rockaway  jumped to 5.2% yesterday.  It doesn’t take a mathematician to see where this is going if we don’t ALL do the right thing immediately.  We are heading towards disease spread and to government ordered lockdowns. If a vaccine came out tomorrow, and if (IF) it were perfect, it will still be about a year until enough people develop immunity to protect us.  The vaccine is not coming out tomorrow, and I don’t expect a vaccine to be anywhere near 100%, and do not expect it to offer lifetime immunity. I expect that we will need boosters on a regular basis.  I can’t define regular basis from this distance. It’s important to define some basic terms. Isolation is for someone who has the disease.  It is for a minimum of 10 days and the person must be well for at least several days. Isolation means staying away from everyone. It does not mean going around wearing a mask.  It means not going around. Quarantine is  for someone who has had  exposure to a disease source.  It is for 14 days since that is the window for developing COVID-19 after exposure. Less than 14 days is not enough.  Less than the full 14 days increases the risk of spread.  One cannot test themselves out of quarantine.  The 14 days is sacrosanct. If during this 14 day window someone develops COVID, they change to isolation from quarantine and begin their 10 day (minimum) count. The criteria for needing quarantine is being less than 6 feet from, and more than 10-15 minutes near, a positive person.   Obviously, more intimate contact such as sharing food or utensils or a face to face conversation would require quarantine even with less than ten minutes spent together.  Both the Nassau County Board of Health and New York City Board of Health have mentioned 12 feet spacing for religious services where there is singing, “chanting”, or loud sermons. We are into a significant uptick now.  If you look at the numbers, the Five Towns and Far Rockaway are real hotspots.  It is only a matter of time before, unfortunately,  we see deaths again. People,have told me that the virus seems less virulent, less damaging.  This is not true.  First of all, the deaths and severe complications can lag several weeks behind the case number increase.  Second, younger people are being hit now.  We aren’t having nursing home deaths so the population is less likely to die.  It may look like things are less dangerous, but the optics can be very deceiving. The University of Washington’s updated  predictions show a curve moving up in New York from the current handful of daily deaths to as high as several hundred per day towards the end of the fall. What must we all do? Everyone needs to mask.  Everyone needs to maintain distancing.  Everyone needs to avoid unnecessary close contact, even with close relatives who don’t live in the same house. Children and grandchildren will spread the disease and biologic ties do not prevent it.  This isn’t a personal choice.  This is an obligation as a member of society to protect other people. If you walk into a room and it’s overcrowded, meaning the minimum of 6 feet in all directions is not there, walk out.  This applies to social gatherings or religious services.  Don’t go in and if you’re already there, walk out. If you walk into a store and people aren’t wearing masks, don’t be shy.  Tell the owner to follow the guidelines.  If they don’t comply, walk out. You may save a life.  It may be your own. It may be a friend, relative, or neighbor. It’s not just about you.  It’s also about your contacts. There have been no major breakthroughs in the past few weeks.  No new magic drugs.  No scientific news pointing to an imminent vaccine release.  The only news is of the uptick in numbers. Sincerely yours, Marc J. Sicklick, M.D.

 

September 11, 2020

 

Marc J. Sicklick, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., F.A.C.A.A.I. Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 123 Grove Avenue, Suite 110 Cedarhurst, NY 11516 Telephone 516-569-5550 Fax 516-210-0080 www.marcsicklick.com September 10, 2020 I had no intention of writing anything until there was a major breakthrough. Unfortunately, the numbers are going up and I’m feeling a sense of both gloom and urgency. I feel that if I don’t say something, if I’m not in the almost unanimous chorus of physicians warning and begging people to take this seriously, then I will be guilty of standing silently by and I will have a hand in the potential disaster. We cannot allow ourselves to forget the horrors of April. As we sit here, about 6 months into the COVID pandemic, the only certainties are that it’s not over, the numbers are going up after a quiet summer, and that people are sick in increasing numbers today. Will it be over in a few months with a successful vaccine? Will it take another 6 months or a year or longer? The best guesses are just that, educated guesses, not  facts. Collective and individual anxiety is caused by the unknown. The unknown is more stressful than bad news. Purgatory is worse than hell. We are in purgatory. No one wants to be like the last Japanese soldiers who were found 30 years after the war still fighting the war, and no one wants to come out of their bunker while the risk is still high. So where do I think we are now? THE PRESENT: From my vantage point, we are in the middle of the pandemic and staring at a possible second wave. Any breakdown of social distancing and failure to wear masks will reignite what had been under control. The start of school is a necessary risk. But it is a risk. The upcoming High Holidays are also a risk. For those who are not wearing masks and not social distancing, it is an unnecessary risk. The next 4-6 weeks will give us much more information. I don’t think that the second wave will be as devastating as the first one was. To many, that’s a small consolation. Why do I feel that it won’t be as bad? We have learned to use anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting drugs, together with some anti-virals. Passive immunity (Giving someone else’s already made antibodies is called passive immunity. Developing your own antibodies from the disease or vaccine is called active immunity.) from plasma is another option which is being further evaluated. While none of these approaches is a cure, they all work better than the complete dependence on ventilators that was prevalent in March and April. We also, unfortunately, have lost the most vulnerable, in large part because of the horrible decision to put infected people into nursing homes.  So we are left with a less at risk population. The disease today seems to be hitting younger people, and they should do better than older people with risk factors. These realities do not mean that we won’t have deaths and very sick people, some with long term disability. Any death or disability is too many. If we could prevent these and we don’t, that is an unspeakable tragedy. The University of Washington’s current projection for New York shows a significant uptick through the fall, but only to about a third of the spring’s peak. That is still horrible. We had almost 1000 daily deaths at the peak. We have less than 10 per day now. They project up to 300 a day by December if we don’t wear masks and don’t distance. Prevention today is everyone’s responsibility. Even if you, individually, don’t want to be masked, as a member of society you do not have the right to make decisions that can cost someone else their life. Numbers can go up in our community very quickly and until there are hospitalizations and deaths, many of us will refuse to see it. That delay can be very costly, as it was in March. Prevention means no large parties. We have all attended zoom weddings and engagement parties and bar mitzva parties and other get togethers, and we have all seen too much closeness and too many faces that are maskless. Every day I get calls to tell me about a wedding party or shiva that spread COVID. Some people who attend know that  they should be isolating and others who attend know they should be quarantining. This is a very sad reality. This behavior is beyond the comprehension of any physician who has had to deal with COVID and has seen the death and devastation. There may be two sides involved in deciding to take a new vaccine when it comes out, but there are not two sides when it comes to wearing a mask or social distancing. There is a real risk:benefit calculation that will need to be made before a vaccine is released, but the risk:benefit ratio with masks and social distancing is very obvious. The real risk ratio is inconvenience or annoyance vs. death or permanent injury. Again, as numerous physicians have stated, while there are few documented cases of second time illness yet, as time goes on and immunity wanes, more are bound to happen. No one needs to be that case. In addition, there is no proof that someone with antibodies cannot transmit the disease to someone else. We just don’t know. UPDATES: Everyone has read about the temporary hold placed yesterday on the Astra Zeneca vaccine trial.  One patient in Europe who was enrolled in a study developed transverse myelitis, an inflammatory disease that can be a significant issue.  Out of an abundance of caution, a time out has been taken to evaluate this finding. Is it vaccine related or did it just happen in an enrolled patient by chance? If it is vaccine related, what are the odds on it happening? Is it 1 in 10,000 or 1 in a million? If it saves a million lives and hurts 10 people, does the benefit outweigh the risk? Is it only this vaccine? (The vaccines being developed have multiple different approaches.) All of these questions will be addressed and answered. This has not halted other vaccine studies. I still expect a vaccine to be released before the end of the year, something that a few months ago I felt would be impossible. I also still feel that a vaccine is needed to stop the pandemic. THE FUTURE: I cannot yet see the end of the pandemic.  I would hope that by next summer, or maybe the spring, things will start returning towards normal. I do not expect the 2020-21 school year to be normal. I do expect 2021-22 to be closer to normal. The world has changed and will not go back to where it was.  Businesses will continue to have people working from home and this will continue to cut down on other contagious diseases. The suburbs will grow while the tightly spaced cities will shrink.  This is evolution caused by COVID. We will have a semblance of  normal, a new normal. For now, though, It is not over. The virus is not disappearing. It is still spreading. It can maim and kill. So be careful and please follow the rules, even if you don’t want to. Sincerely yours, Marc J. Sicklick, M.D.

 

September 4, 2020

An Open Letter to the Jewish Community of the 5 Towns: We are writing to express our unanimous medical opinion regarding our community’s actions and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our consensus group includes physicians from a variety of specialties.  We wish to express our clear and concerted support for some positions that we feel are medically indisputable: 1) COVID-19 remains a clear and present danger.  After a quiet summer, cases are now on the rise, specifically in our community.   COVID-19 is not a political issue, nor is it old news.   If our goal is to keep shuls and schools open and our neighborhood stores in business, we need to recognize that the uptick demands that we take it seriously and follow appropriate precautions. 2) People who have a positive test, recent exposure or who have been in a region requiring quarantine need to strictly uphold the quarantine without exception, including for shul and school.  In questions of doubt regarding exposure, we should attempt to be stringent, not lenient.  Travel from states on the NYS designated travel advisory list or known COVID-19 exposure requires a 14-day quarantine period. In the event of a positive COVID test, an individual is required to isolate for at minimum 10 days, or longer based on the duration of symptoms. The quarantine regulations are not suggestions, they are absolute requirements.  Violating them will undoubtedly lead to accelerated community spread and puts lives at real risk.  People should be in close contact with their physicians regarding any COVID-related concerns. 3) Masking to prevent COVID-19 infection has a strong evidence base that is agreed upon by the overwhelming majority of doctors and public health experts.  There is no credible evidence that masks have any risks for those who wear them. They are most effective when worn both by those who have the virus and those at risk of catching it.  Wearing a mask is not just about one’s personal choice, but also about not spreading the virus to others in the event of asymptomatic or early infection. Masks should not have a breathing valve or vent, since these expose others to potential infection. Masks with breathing valves are for protecting the wearer from environmental dust and debris and NOT meant for infection control. 4) Local schools and yeshivot have invested substantial effort into formulating safe plans to allow schools to open and remain open.  The details of these plans may vary, but the medical advisory boards have done their utmost to ensure schools can stay open safely. By helping their children adhere to these new rules, parents can play an integral role in enabling in-person school to continue. 5) As current contact tracing evidence has shown, many of the new cases of infection have arisen from large gatherings (weddings, bar and bat mitzvah, concerts …) where social distancing and/or mask wearing was not strictly observed.   While we pray that we should know of happy occasions, these must be celebrated according to a “new norm” and in a fashion that will cause the least risk of community transmission.  Large gatherings are best kept to a small number of people, outdoors if possible, with social distancing and mask rules applied. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/COVID19-events-gatherings-readiness-and-planning-tool.pdf Finally, biomedical research is a body of knowledge like any other.  Interpreting it requires knowledge of medicine and understanding of statistics.  Assuming that someone has thoroughly researched a position based on their reading a popular summary or even an abstract alone can lead to erroneous and dangerous conclusions. You trust us to take care of you when you are sick and at your most vulnerable, and in life and death decisions. You trust us to deliver your babies, treat your children, manage your chronic conditions, and fix your fractures.  We collectively request that you trust us in this, as well. With wishes for a shana tova/healthy new year, Rabbi Aaron E. GlattMD, FACP, FIDSA, FSHEAInfectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology Alissa HershMDAllergy & Immunology Hylton LightmanMD DCH(SA) FAAPPediatrics Ilana PisterMD FAAPPediatrics Pamela Singer MD, MSPediatric Nephrology Joshua SchechterMDEmergency Medicine/Internal Medicine Annie FrenkelMD FACOGOBGYN Marc J. SicklickMD, FAAAAI, FACAAIAllergy and Immunology Steven KellnerMDPediatrics David RosenbergMD FAAPPediatrics Joseph Rozenbaum MD FAAPPediatrics Dan A. KaufmanMDAnesthesiology Marcel Scheinman MD, FACSPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery Ray Sultan MDUrology Alisa MinkinMDPediatrics Tova Fischer IsseroffMDOtolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Jonathan Zinberg MDGastroenterology Elie Lowenstein MDDermatology Harold S. HefterMD, FAADDermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Sherrie Neustein MDPediatrics Alyssa FeinerMDDermatology Moshe WeizbergMD, FACEPEmergency Medicine Donnie IsseroffMDAnesthesiology Jill Leibowitz MDPediatrics Stanley GoldsteinMDAllergy, Immunology, Pediatric Pulmonary Steve MermelsteinMDPulmonary Jonathan Y Rosner MD FACOGMaternal Fetal Medicine Yussy SilversteinMDPediatrics Rebecca ZausmerMD Pediatrics Edward StrohMDOphthalmology Retina Specialist Norman SaffraMD FACS FAAO, Ophthalmology Frida PopilevskyMDPulmonary and Critical Care Daniel HallerMD FACSAcute Care Surgery Sam SingerMDNeuro-Oncology Ben ChillMDEmergency Medicine Danny Bamira MD Cardiovascular Disease Josh GreensteinMDEmergency Medicine Sam WeissmanMDGastroenterology Joshua KalowitzMDBreast Cancer Aaron B. GrotasMDUrology Shari Seinuk-RossMDPediatrics Seymour HuberfeldMDPulmonary and Sleep Medicine Shira Burnstein MDInternal Medicine Steven WeissMD FACPInfectious Diseases Farid Shahkoohi MDInternal Medicine Steven KadishMDGastroenterology Sheldon P. HershMDOtolaryngologist Elizabeth Edelstein DOFamily Medicine/Urgent Care Joseph Simpson MD, Anesthesiology Elliot M. PaulMDUrology Elliott SalamonDOVascular Neurology Jordan BrodskyMDRheumatology Robert van AmerongenMDUrgent Care/Pediatrics/Emergency Yoseph GurevichMDPediatric Gastroenterology Jacob RauchwergerMDPain Management Daphna Shiffeldrim MD, MPHChild and Adolescent Psychiatry David WolfsonMDOb/gyn Max S. Scheer MDInternal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Karyn Chanie Ginaburg MDEndocrinology Haim Brandspiegel MDCardiology Peretz LockDOInternal Medicine Yaakov LipshitzMD Hematology/Oncology Charles MitgangMDInternal Medicine Naomi SchwartzMDPediatrics Harold LipskyMDGastroenterology Miriam R. Lieberman MD, FAADDermatology Anne SteinerMDOphthalmology Ari SteinerMDRadiology Aviva PremingerMDPlastic Surgery Victor MilloulMDAnesthesiology Ezra HallerMDNephrology/Internal Medicine Cindy HallerMDPediatric Gastroenterology David HershMDCardiology Dan GeislerMDAnesthesiology Rabbi Chaim S. AbittanMDGastroenterology/Hepatology Shloime Dalezman MDNephrology Yosefa HefterMDPediatric Infectious Disease Miriam KnollMDRadiation Oncology Michael GrushkoMDCardiology/EP Debbie RybakMDInfectious Diseases Sheldon GorbaczMDPathology Suzanne Sirota RozenbergDODermatology Shoni RozenbergDODermatology Barbara SchwartzMDPM&R Freddie MartonMDPediatric Neurology Shira Wieder MDDermatology Eli HalpertMDVascular & Interventional Rabin Rahmani MD, FACG Gastroenterology Zahava HershDOFamily Practice Martin E Kessler MD FACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Deborah Lief-Dienstag MD, FAAPPediatrics Zev CarreyMDInternal, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine Paul Friedmann MDNephrology Daniel Frogel MDEmergency Medicine David E. Simai MDPediatrics Victor RosenbergMDMaternal-Fetal Medicine Fred GreensteinMDUrology Hana Ilan MDPM&R Elliot LedermanMDInternal medicine Nechama (Nina) Ackerman MDEmergency Medicine Israel SamsonMDInternal Medicine Ira L. WegMDCardiology Brian WetchlerDOInternal Medicine Israel S Berkowitz MDCardiology Alyssa ScheinerMDGeneral Surgery Michael R. LevineMDInternal Medicine Abby BasalelyMD Pediatric Nephrology Charles Traube MDCardiology Yussi MosakMDRheumatology Janine NathanDOPediatrics Gerald SchulmanMDPediatrics Jay FensterMDGastroenterology Benjamin Levine MDRheumatology Simcha HerrmannMDPain Management Leonard A. FeinerMD, PhDOphthalmology Jeff Lumerman MDUrologist Jonathan SchulhofMDOphthalmology Abraham I Green MDPediatrics Zev AshMDPediatrics Mark Sperber MDPediatrics Ari GinsbergMDHematology/Oncology Moshe SchlusselbergMDPediatrics Max HalpernMDPediatrics Stephen Henesch DODiagnostic and Pediatric Radiology Rivkie Penstein-HirtMDOBGYN Ingrid SoltysMDPediatrician Jeffrey A SpivakMDInternal Medicine/Cardiology Arnold SteinMDOphthalmology Samuel SandowskiMDFamily Medicine/Adolescent Medicine Michael I. OppenheimMDInfectious Disease Jessica L. KirschnerMDPediatrics Morey KleinMDCardiology Judith GreenMDGeneral Pediatrics Marilyn Kattuputhusseril DOPediatrics Avi SchiowitzDOInternal Medicine Miriam FlaumDOAnesthesia Yacov Stollman MDGastroenterology Jeffrey FrielingMDOphthalmology

August 21, 2020

COVID-19 Update Rosh Chodesh Elul, August 19, 2020 Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD I thank all of you that asked me to continue writing these updates, which I will do as I have time and as there is sufficient new information to impart. I will Iy”H continue our motzei Shabbos Zoom talk addressing common COVID-19 questions that might be applicable to all. We will move up the start time to 9:30 PM this week, and as Shabbos ends earlier, move to earlier times going forward. You can join the session via: Zoom at Meeting ID 980 3243 6809; Password: SUMMER2020; or by phone: 929 205 6099 or via YouTube link obtainable from yiwoodmerecovidupdate@gmail.com. How are we doing regarding new cases in our area? While the number of new COVID-19 cases nationwide has begun to slow over the past few weeks, the United States is still recording more than twice the number of new daily COVID-19 cases than in June. Unfortunately, and most importantly, we are seeing increased cases in selected NYC and Long Island locations, related to travel, camps and other risk behaviors. The Nassau County Executive and Commissioner of Health informed me that Lawrence and Cedarhurst currently have the highest new case totals in all of Nassau County. This should be of great concern. The NYC DOH also called me regarding troubling increases specifically after two “super-spreader” events, a wedding in Brooklyn and a weekend sheva brachos in the Catskills. I am called every day by physicians, schools, patients and the DOH regarding similar exposures and how to handle them and the quarantine concerns they create. The DOH has stated that such new cases have the potential to put school openings and Yomim Noraim minyanim in jeopardy. The most common problem I am asked to help with, but cannot easily answer, is what to do for the person with an unclear exposure – usually when the parties were not wearing a mask. I am unable to provide guidance in such situations, and sadly, the default position is to quarantine for 14 days. Likewise, the city, state and county DOH are imploring people to work with them, not against them in trying to appropriately identify who was exposed and who should be quarantined. This has the potential to be a huge kiddush Hashem, or heaven forbid, the opposite. Ultimately the DOH will do what they deem necessary to address such exposures from weddings, weekend gatherings (sheva brachos, family reunions), camps, that have been the cause of some of the most recent exposures in communities that “have no COVID” anymore. Various branches of the DOH have asked me to remind everyone that if you are quarantined, you absolutely must adhere to the restrictions mandated, and that the DOH takes this very seriously. They will use every measure at their disposal to ensure that spread of illness is curtailed. What is new from the CDC? 1) We are learning more about COVID-19 in children every day, which is so critical as we start the school year. While there are fewer cases of COVID-19 in children age 0-17 years compared to adults, the number and rate of cases in children in the United States have been steadily increasing. The incubation period is the same for children as adults, 2-14 days with an average of 6 days. Signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in children include: ·         Fever ·         Fatigue ·         Headache ·         Myalgia ·         Cough ·         Nasal congestion or rhinorrhea ·         New loss of taste or smell ·         Sore throat ·         Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ·         Abdominal pain ·         Diarrhea ·         Nausea or vomiting ·         Poor appetite or poor feeding Children may have many of these non-specific symptoms, may only have a few (such as only upper respiratory symptoms or only gastrointestinal symptoms), or may be asymptomatic. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children are similar to other infections and noninfectious processes, including influenza, streptococcal pharyngitis, and allergic rhinitis. The lack of specificity of signs or symptoms and the significant proportion of asymptomatic infections make symptom-based screening for identification of COVID-19 in children particularly challenging. Evidence suggests that as many as 45% of pediatric infections are asymptomatic. Boruch Hashem, hospitalization rates in children are significantly lower than in adults, as children have less severe illness from COVID-19. The rate of hospitalization among children is very low (8 / 100,000) versus adults (165 / 100,000), but hospitalization rates in children are increasing. 2) The CDC updated its isolation guidance acknowledging that people can continue to test positive for up to 3 months after a COVID-19 diagnosis yet are not considered infectious to others after 10 days with resolving symptoms. Therefore, retesting in the 3 months following initial infection is not necessary unless that person is exhibiting new symptoms of COVID-19 and the symptoms cannot be associated with another illness. Thus, all people with COVID-19 should be isolated for at least 10 days after symptom onset and until 24 hours after their fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing medications. There have been more than 15 international and U.S.-based studies recently published looking at length of infection, duration of viral shed, asymptomatic spread and risk of spread among various patient groups.  Researchers have found that the amount of live virus in the nose and throat drops significantly soon after COVID-19 symptoms develop.  Additionally, the duration of infectiousness in most people with COVID-19 is no longer than 10 days after symptoms begin (up to 20 days in people with severe illness or those who are severely immunocompromised). CDC will continue to closely monitor the evolving science for information that would warrant reconsideration of these recommendations. What is new from the FDA? FDA  issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) to Yale School of Public Health for its SalivaDirect COVID-19 diagnostic test, the fifth saliva test so authorized, but the first that uses a new method of processing saliva samples. FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. said this authorization will “create innovative, effective products to help address the COVID-19 pandemic and to increase capacity and efficiency in testing.”  Assistant Secretary for Health and COVID-19 Testing Coordinator, Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D. said: “The SalivaDirect test for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is yet another testing innovation game changer that will reduce the demand for scarce testing resources.” Several unique features make this SalivaDirect test very promising. A) Eliminates nasopharyngeal swabs that make other tests difficult and uncomfortable; B) Saliva can be collected in any sterile container, by the patient; C) Does not require a separate nucleic acid extraction step so less prone to shortages and testing delays; D) Rapidity of results (hours); E) Ability to easily batch tests F) Less expensive; G) Potential for DAILY testing for schools and work; H) Uses common reagents and instruments, meaning the test could be performed in most labs; I) Does not rely on proprietary equipment and uses commercially available testing components. What mask should I use? We have discussed numerous times the extreme importance of wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose whenever in close proximity to others not living in their household. This is one of the best ways to prevent your transmitting Covid-19 as well as getting Covid-19, and as mentioned, not being in an insoluble quandary after a questionable exposure. New data support wearing either a standard three-ply surgical mask or a three-ply cotton face covering as optimal. While data are limited, these appear superior to single or double-ply cloth face coverings, and are certainly better than a bandanna, “gaiters” or scarfs covering the mouth and nose, which I do not recommend that people use. N95 or KN95 masks are usually worn only by healthcare workers in close proximity to selected patients with COVID-19. They require fit testing to be worn properly. Masks that have air vented outside should absolutely not be worn. While they offer some protection to the wearer, they put everyone else potentially at risk from breathing the exhaled air through the vent. What still needs to be done upon return from camp or bungalow colonies? We all need to be vigilant about potential spread of COVID-19 when people return from camp, bungalow colonies, and trips to other communities. Certainly, there have been cases identified from all these venues, and each scenario needs to be individually assessed for the risk it poses. I again stress that if the DOH recommends quarantine, be it for an individual case or from general travel, quarantine must be adhered to in order to prevent serious illness spreading. I recommend a very careful evaluation of each camp or bungalow situation with appropriate testing and quarantine as indicated by the particular circumstances. When in doubt, I favor caution, testing and quarantine. What are best ideas for safe Shofar blowing? In general, outdoors poses less of a risk. However, if appropriately distanced with all listeners wearing masks, indoors can be safe as well. Testing for active COVID-19 is not a routine recommendation I make, but is something left to the discretion of the local shul based on local incidence and concern. Such testing is not fool proof or without cost and effort. Prior COVID-19 infection or bona fide presence of antibodies is helpful but not a requirement for safety. To optimize safety, I recommend as many of the following as possible. Have the blower be a person with prior COVID-19; blow as far away as possible from others; have the end of the shofar (where sound comes out) covered with a mask; blow into an open window; blow into an enclosure; blow in another room or outside (with the sound able to be heard in the room where the people are). All of these have been discussed and approved by HaRav Mordechai Willig, shlita. Blowing in chodesh Elul, is less risky as it is only a few blasts at the end of davening, but I still recommend using the above ideas as possible. Public outdoor gatherings on Rosh Hashana for women and others to hear the 30 sounds should also follow these guidelines. I am actually more concerned with the ensuing public gatherings than the shofar risk! Any data on safety of Shofar blowing and singing? There are limited data. One local ophthalmologist put dye in his shofar, blew into paper, and used a split lamp to look for traces of the dye, but didn’t find any. A paper entitled “COVID-19 Transmission Risks from Singing and Playing Wind Instruments – What We Know So Far” conducted experiments measuring airflow while playing wind instruments. From evaluating the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra they noted that normal breathing showed a cloud of fog of approximately 50 cm emitted from the nose and mouth. This was unchanged for string instruments while playing versus while at rest. For winds, “aerosols” were not reported or were “hardly visible” from the opening at the end of the wind instrument, with the exception of the flute. They conclude that a musician’s exhaled air is not expected to expand by more than approximately 80 cm, which is within the 6 foot distance recommended for distancing. Spahn et al. conducted a risk assessment on data from wind players and singers with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. They concluded that a minimum of 2 meters (6.5 feet) distance between musicians (including winds) was sufficient, as no additional movement of indoor air during playing was detected at this distance. Therefore the risk of droplet transmission, if distancing is followed, was very low. Similarly, the authors provided similar recommendations for singing (2 meters apart).  Of note, the authors proposed a number of preventive measures to mitigate the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission during musical activities, including reducing the duration of the activity to allow for regular airing out of the space and applying cloth protection to the bells of wind instruments where feasible. These studies are NOT definitive, and clearly much more needs to be assessed before declaring no risk. However, utilizing the guidelines I suggested, I do not think that shofar blowing will be a significant mode of transmission, be’ezras Hashem. And davening and singing should be curtailed as possible according to the each shul’s Rav, dependent upon local physical considerations and local COVID-19 incidence. Is it better to daven indoors or outdoors for the Yomin Noraim? Outdoor minyanim at this time of the year remain optimal, very viable and safe venues for people concerned about indoor shuls and longer than usual davening. Same applies to shofar blowing. However, as long as indoor minyanim are properly supervised, meaning appropriate masking and distancing, indoor minyanim in low COVID-19 incidence areas can be equally safe and may offer advantages regarding comfort and kavanah that outdoor minyanim may lack because of environment or weather. Ultimately, it is a personal choice. Any more exciting news regarding vaccines? Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar reported there are currently six vaccines under contract with the US government with good safety profiles and with studies documenting neutralizing antibodies at a level at or above what people recovering from COVID-19 produce in their own bodies. Very good news indeed, with still the hope that one or more of these vaccines will receive emergency use authorization from the FDA before the end of 2020. In addition, large clinical trials of vaccine in China, Russia, Pakistan and other countries are also underway. Many people have expressed a concern that any vaccine approval will be rushed and therefore not as safe as our vaccines usually are. To address this, FDA officials will use the regular tried and tested guidelines whether and when a vaccine can be made available. Commissioner Stephen Hahn, MD, and other senior FDA officials insisted that they would maintain “unwavering regulatory safeguards” in evaluating COVID-19 vaccines. Before any approvals are granted, they promised, the agency will convene its vaccines advisory committee to review candidates, and all traditional standards for efficacy and safety will be respected. According to an AHRQ-funded modeling study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, based on a model that simulated the spread of the COVID-19 virus through the U.S., for a COVID-19 vaccine to end the pandemic without social distancing measures, it would require about 75% of the U.S. population to get vaccinated. This does not take into account natural immunity, and obviously depends on vaccine efficacy and the long term immunity generated. We at Mount Sinai South Nassau, as well as other academic centers in the NYC region, are moving forward with vaccine trials. More information to follow…. Any proven cases of getting COVID-19 a second time? Cases are still being assessed, and I personally have little doubt that some cases will be proven, especially as we move further away from March and April. It still remains very reassuring, that with upwards of 20 million COVID-19 cases worldwide, there are very few proven reinfection cases. This is critically important for herd immunity, and partially explains why certain communities have very few new COVID-19 cases despite not adhering to masking guidelines. What new information was published? 1) Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommended against routine temperature checks to screen for COVID-19, despite the fact that this is still a policy guideline for hospitals and schools in many jurisdictions. “Temperatures are notoriously inaccurate, many times, and are especially unreliable on hot summer days.” The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that temperature checks are most beneficial when employees take their temperature at home and act accordingly based on the result, versus employers testing employees upon arrival at work. In schools, the CDC has recommended daily temperature screenings of staff and students, if possible, but does not specify whether tests should be conducted on site or before arriving at the location. 2) A study in JAMA identified no COVID-19 infections (asymptomatic or symptomatic) among community health workers after the addition of face shields to their personal protective equipment. Previously, there were infections when just wearing masks. Face shields may have reduced ocular exposure or contamination of masks or hands, and  /  or may have diverted movement of air around the face. This study supports what I have been recommending that teachers of pre-school and younger children unable to wear masks, wear a mask plus eye protection. It is unknown if a face shield is superior to goggles at this time. I hope many people are planning on following the advice of the Mateh Ephraim to say 10 chapters of Tehillim every day during Chodesh Elul. In this merit of reciting sefer tehillim twice during Elul, May we all have a kesiva vachatima tova. Have a great Shabbos.

August 13, 2020

The Commissioner of Health of Nassau County just called me and asked for our assistance regarding 8 cases of newly diagnosed COVID-19 in our community in campers returning from Camp Shoresh in Pennsylvania. In addition, many other campers there had symptoms and were not tested for COVID-19. The PA DOH is already involved as well. Based on significant concerns that the Governor and the NY State DOH have regarding this exposure, they have asked, and I fully agree, that all campers returning from that camp self quarantine immediately. All family members exposed to those campers likewise should be quarantined pending further evaluation. As I mentioned, the Governor himself is aware and has expressed great concern about this exposure and the potential this might have regarding delaying school openings.  It is critical that we do everything possible to abort this potential outbreak before it spreads further and potentially impacts school opening. These campers and all exposed family members should not be attending shul or any community events, and should be quarantined in their houses. Medical advice and COVID-19 testing should be sought as appropriate. Thank you, may Hashem help us stem this potential serious outbreak. Shabbat Shalom Aaron Glatt

 

July 17, 2020

A Message from Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt will address the ramifications of these new cases for both children and adults, answer commonly asked questions, and begin discussing what the yomim noraim will look like at a 9:45 motzei Shabbos zoom: Meeting ID 980 3243 6809 Password: SUMMER2020 by phone: 929 205 6099 .

July 8, 2020

Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

I am happy to report that we have NOT seen significant complications or outbreaks from our new cases of COVID-19 in the Five Towns. Boruch Hashem.

While Woodmere alone saw a dozen new cases in the first week of July, and the other “Four” Towns and surrounding neighborhoods reported new COVID-19 as well, and there are new cases in other Jewish communities, Boruch Hashem at this time so far those cases have NOT translated to larger outbreaks or hospitalizations. We obviously continue to watch this very closely, because the situation elsewhere in the US and in Israel continues to get much worse.

Why have we been fortunate to date to not see additional outbreaks, while so many other states, Israel and countries worldwide have huge problems? While this answer is crucial to know, we unfortunately, do not have a clear explanation, which is very disconcerting.

With camps underway, semachot and travel occurring, and Nassau County in Phase 4 (which opens up more indoor and outdoor entertainment and shopping) we must be very wary of a perfect storm. People must continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing at all sites. Essentially what has changed is just where you can go – but not what you must do.

I will address this and other questions at our 9:45 motzei Shabbos zoom: Meeting ID 980 3243 6809; use this new Password: SUMMER2020; by phone: 929 205 6099

What are all the rumors flying around about the same individual getting COVID-19 a second time?

I have previously stated many times that there still has not been even a single case published of a second bout of COVID-19 in the same person, and I believe that still to be true. However, a respected Queens pediatrician who listened to last week’s talk sent me an unpublished detailed case report of a COVID-19 patient who had and then lost their IgM antibodies (which reflects new infection), got IgG antibodies (suggesting immunity), and subsequently underwent 6 negative COVID-19 tests. They became exposed weeks later to an active COVID-19 patient, and they re-acquired IgM in their blood and tested positive for COVID-19, indicative of a second COVID-19 event.

This might be just what we have been so concerned about – someone with COVID-19, who recovered fully, developed IgG antibodies, yet getting COVID-19 a second time and potentially being able to transmit it to others. Fortunately, this person did not exhibit any symptoms the second time and it is unknown therefore what this case truly represents. I have heard from a Brooklyn pediatrician of 2 other similar reports as well, and these are being evaluated by the NYC DOH. This information if accurate will be a game changer. If indeed real, the true long term benefit of antibodies will certainly be questioned. The frequency, severity of illness and likelihood of transmission all remain totally unknown at this time. Much more to come.

What other new information was published this week?

1) A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology showed an increased risk for COVID-19 in people on proton pump inhibitors (“PPIs”), a very commonly used class of drugs that people take for control of acid reflux. This was especially true for patients taking them twice daily. PPIs should only be used when clinically indicated and then only at the lowest effective dose. An elevated risk was not seen among patients who took histamine antagonists, another commonly used ulcer medication.
This study does not mean that people on PPIs should stop their medication. However, good sense dictates that one should only take these drugs if really necessary, and / or lower the dose if possible.

2) A brief report in Clinical Infectious Diseases again showed another interleukin inhibitor, baricitinib, to be of value in a small group of COVID-19 patients. The body’s hyperinflammatory response to COVID-19, the so called “cytokine storm” has been associated with increased mortality in COVID-19. Once again, promising results from immunosuppressive agents, but more data are needed.

3) Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) – the drug that just will not die – made a slight comeback this week with a multi-hospital Detroit study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, suggesting HCQ might indeed have some benefit if used early in patients with COVID-19. The authors concluded that when controlling for COVID-19 risk factors, treatment with HCQ alone and in combination with azithromycin was associated with reduction in COVID-19 associated mortality. Why all the conflicting data – why can’t we get this right?

The answer sadly is that we as a medical community have just not done our homework to properly evaluate a medication’s efficacy. There is such a clamor for treatment and such a high mortality in untreated patients that no one is willing to wait to test a study medication properly. Everyone wants access to the “best treatment” no matter that it is unproven. This has led to many well-meaning but poorly controlled attempts to evaluate these medications.

Bottom line: Prospective randomized double-blind trials are needed to assess new treatments. Similar to reports of second episodes of COVID-19, we need real data to make proper decisions. This was true in the times of the Rambam as he posited in his commentary to the Mishnah in Yoma and is even more true today.

4) For the first time, the FDA publicly warned of false positive COVID-19 tests. There is an increased risk of false positive results from the BD SARS-CoV-2 Reagents for the BD Max System test, with the manufacturer reporting approximately 3% of results were false positives. The agency recommends clinical laboratory staff and health care providers consider presumptive any positive result from tests using the BD SARS-CoV-2 Reagents for the BD Max System and confirm results using an alternate, authorized test. I do not know how many laboratories or local physicians use this system, but we now need to be concerned that we are inaccurately telling people they have COVID-19.

What is going on with COVID-19 mutations?

A major publication in the journal Cell described several COVID-19 variants or mutations. In general, COVID-19 has a much lower mutation rate than viruses like influenza and HIV. The authors reported that there appears to be a set of four linked mutations – with differences in an amino acid that makes up the COVID-19 spike protein – that appear to have arisen and moved together around the world as a consistent set of COVID-19 variations. Unfortunately, they noted that these mutations seem to result in an increase in infectivity but fortunately, not a corresponding increase in the severity of illness.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease, said during an online event hosted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, that “there is some dispute about the findings, which stem from an in vitro examination of the mutations, and it’s not clear whether people who become infected with a newer variation of the pathogen fare worse than those with the original strain.” The Gates Foundation-supported Coronavirus Immunotherapy Consortium leadership noted: “These findings suggest that the newer form of the virus may be even more readily transmitted than the original form – whether or not that conclusion is ultimately confirmed, it highlights the value of what were already good ideas: to wear masks and to maintain social distancing.”

Have these mutations or changes in incidence impacted mortality??

While the virus shows little sign of diminishing in most states, and many countries across the world, the virus has had a decrease in mortality per case in the US. In April and May, Covid-19 caused ~ 3,000 deaths / day, with an approximate overall 7 – 8 % mortality, versus the current ~ 5% mortality figure. Clearly there are numerous factors involved, although no evidence exists that the virus is less potent. The downward mortality trend is probably multifactorial, with increased testing of asymptomatic patients (much lower likelihood of death a priori), better and earlier treatment plus a shift in infections to the younger population versus the older adults. The relative contribution of these factors is not yet clear, and I will discuss these ramifications more motzei Shabbos.

The three weeks is a dangerous time in the calendar for Klal Yisroel.

May Hashem spare us additional tragedies. May the Beis Hamikdash be speedily rebuilt in our times!

Have a great Shabbos.

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt

Legislator Howard Kopel

Coronavirus Update

Nassau County has had 35 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Hospitalizations are up slightly, with an increase in 4, making the total number of COVID-19 patients in Nassau County hospitals 54. There are now 6 patients with COVID-19 in Nassau hospital ICUs and 2 patients on ventilators. For the second day in a row, there have been no deaths in Nassau County from COVID-19. Statewide 97 individuals are intubated, the lowest number since March 16.

Phase 4 Reopening

Today, the Long Island region entered into Phase 4 reopening. Many tourist attractions, such as museums, historic sites, and botanical gardens, will open for the first time in almost four months. Film and television production can resume, along with activities on college campuses and professional sports, minus the fans.

Malls

The Governor announced today that malls will be allowed to reopen in New York State this Friday under certain conditions, including having special air filtering systems. He also said the State will decide by early August if schools can reopen in September. Regardless, the State will publish guidelines on school reopening by July 13.

Gyms, Casinos, Theatres

Governor Cuomo also issued an Executive Order that will continue to keep video lottery gaming, casino gaming, gym, indoor fitness center or classes, and movie theaters, closed indefinitely until he issues an additional executive order allowing them to open.

SCAR Filing

The date to file assessment SCAR petitions has once again been extended. The new deadline for filing an appeal is now September 4th, 2020. Property owners whose assessment grievances have been denied may file a Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) petition with the County Clerk’s office prior to the new deadline. There are over 100,000 residential challenges that have been denied by the Assessment Review Commission. Residents may file their petitions online using the County Clerk’s website, by mailing their petition (postmarked by September 4th) or by placing them in the dropbox in the lobby of 240 Old Country Road, Mineola

July 2, 2020

June 28, 2020

Coronavirus Update

As of today, there are a total of 57 people in Nassau County hospitals due to COVID-19. This number is down significantly from the pandemic’s height. There are 17 COVID-19 patients in the ICU, and 3 on ventilators. One resident has passed away since Friday. Only about 0.5% of our residents are testing positive, out of the thousands that are being tested.

Spreading the Virus

Governor Cuomo said air conditioning may be spreading the virus and urged companies to install special filters. Before they are permitted to reopen, large malls will be required to install filters that can block small particles.

CARES Funding

Today, the Legislature accepted $55 Million dollars in federal “CARES” money. This money will be used to partially offset unbudgeted public safety, public health and facility costs related to COVID-19. The County is looking to partner with the Town of Hempstead to maximize CARES funding received from the Federal Government to offset additional public safety costs. FEMA will receive a $5 million-dollar appropriation for their Emergency Response Department.

NCC Funding

The Legislature also approved the Nassau Community College budget. This budget restores the Achilles and ASPIRES programs, which provide opportunities in and out of the classroom for students with autism spectrum disorders at NCC. In April 2020, Nassau Community College notified students and educators that the programs would be eliminated due to “financial concerns.” Majority Caucus Legislators vowed to not pass the NCC budget until the programs were restored. I am thankful for the professors and parents who raised awareness about the programs. Their tireless advocacy led to the restoration. I would also like to thank NCC President Williams for his personal efforts to find a path to continue the programs. We are proud that in these difficult times, Nassau Community College continues to be an invaluable resource for our residents.

Fireworks

There seems to be a nightly barrage of illegal firework displays across Nassau. The noise from fireworks is adding to the stress that our residents already have with the pandemic. I fear the nightly barrage of fireworks will only get worse as we get closer to the July Fourth holiday weekend. That is why I wrote a letter today to our local police precincts asking our police officers assistance to engage in proactive measures to help alleviate this issue.

June 28, 2020

Coronavirus Update

Nassau County continues to move in the right direction with COVID-19 cases. In the last 24 hours, we had 31 new positive cases of COVID-19. There are currently 64 COVID-19 patients in Nassau hospitals, with 20 in the ICU, and 5 people on ventilators. At our height, that number was over 500. 12 patients have been discharged from our hospitals in the last 24 hours. Sadly, 1 patient has passed away from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

According to data released today, the Long Island Region has a 1.1% transmission level.

Phase Four Guidelines

Phase 4 includes:

• ​Higher education: including but not limited to community and junior colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, medical schools, and technical schools. ​
• Low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment​: outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agritourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions, and other similar institutions/activities. ​
• Low-risk indoor arts and entertainment: indoor museums, historical sites, aquariums, and other related institutions or activities.
• Media production: “media production activities” encompass all activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site.

june 12, 2020

June 11, 2020 Coronavirus by the Numbers The figures showed there were another 736 confirmed cases of the coronavirus across New York State on Wednesday, adding up to 380,892 since the pandemic started. Nassau County had 45 new positives for a total of 41,060 since the pandemic began. The numbers are the same today as they were yesterday in terms of hospitalizations and residents on ventilators. 134 COVID-19 patients in Nassau hospitals with 31 patients on ventilators. Daily results for Wednesday still showed Long Island’s residents testing positive at 0.9%, the same as the previous day and down from 1.1% on Monday. Playground Reopenings Governor Cuomo announced today that playgrounds may open at the County Executive’s discretion. I am calling on County Executive Curran to open all of our county playgrounds immediately. The weather is getting nice, and our children need to be able to get out, play, and just be kids. I will continue to look for things that can be moved into Phase 2 without delay so we can all start to get back to normal. Pools Reopenings Nassau County-run pools will reopen on July 3rd for Nassau residents only. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no Leisure Passes have been issued, and there is no schedule of when their issuing will resume. Make sure to bring your driver’s license or other form of identification to present to pool employees for access. Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

June 1, 2020

11pm.  Legislator Howard Kopel staying up late to interact with local police commissioner to ensure the protests have enough police coverage and support.

COVID ANTIBODY TESTING :

In a continuing effort to deal with COVID-19, the following current information is submitted for your attention:

Please use the link below to sign up
https://www.hatzolair.org/antibody/

Legislator Howard Kopel Coronavirus Update

Today marks the third day that the Long Island region has been in Phase 1 of reopening. Construction and manufacturing has restarted and many retail businesses are open with either curbside or in-store pickup. Phase 2 comes next, where all office-based jobs, real estate services, in-store retail shopping and limited barbershop and hair salon services can restart. State and County officials have predicted that Phase 2 reopening for Long Island will happen in about 2 weeks.

Governor Cuomo announced last night that Phase 2 has been delayed for upstate counties who had been in Phase 1 for two weeks, until he was able to speak with “International Experts”. For more information on Phase 2 openings, click here to visit the State’s website: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries.

Long Island coronavirus cases have dropped by 91% since the pandemic’s peak in April, a Newsday analysis of Nassau and Suffolk data show. The number of patients in Nassau hospitals is now 377, which is down 12 from yesterday. Today is the 46th straight day that the number of hospital patients in Nassau hospitals has gone down. The number of patients in the ICU was not available at the time this email went out, but there are 84 patients on ventilators, which is down 6 from yesterday.  There were 3 deaths yesterday, which brings the total COVID-19 deaths of Nassau residents to 2114.

We are averaging about 75 new cases of COVID-19 a day, which is far lower than we were at the height of this pandemic. The numbers are continuing to move in the right direction, but we need to keep wearing masks and social distancing to prevent a spike and move on to Phase 2.

Report Price Gouging

Price gouging has been reported as a problem during the pandemic. Much of this is because wholesalers have dramatically raised the price of essential items without justification. State Attorney General Letitia James announced that she will be commencing lawsuits against wholesalers who price gouge. If you are a business who has witnessed price gouging from a wholesaler, you can report the crime at https://formsnym.ag.ny.gov/OAGOnlineSubmissionForm/faces/OAGPGCHome;jsessionid=SkNhWxcn8sTxKjgykPz_iYFyScm7dFiBX7QhoX0Ctjc-d6Kb9Yoy!-160060959 or by clicking here.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

BLACKLIVESMATTER PROTESTS/RIOTS COMING LOCALLY TONIGHT AND TOMORROW

May 25, 2020

 FROM ACHIEZER

Dear Friends: I think that an explanation of the signed letter by a group of Rabbis that included all YIW Rabbis is in order. We are continuing to recommend praying at home without a Minyan. Why? It is no longer illegal in anywhere NY State by executive order of the governor: “Executive Order 202.10 has been modified to allow religious gatherings of ten or fewer individuals provided that social distancing protocols and cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the department of health” The OU/RCA document recommending a 14 day period of waiting following any Governor’s executive decree is based on an item that appeared in Dr Glatt’s report found in his weekly update: “The CDC May 15th updated guidelines state that the incubation period for COVID-19 extends to 14 days, with a median time of 4-5 days from exposure to symptom onset. 97.5% of persons with COVID-19 develop symptoms within 11.5 days of infection” Please take note that the Halachic authorities guiding the OU include four people: Rav Hershel Schacter, Rav Mordechai Willig, Rav Asher Weiss, and Rav Dovid Cohen. The latter actually encouraged keeping Shuls opening on the Shabbos after Purim when we closed. He felt, that communal prayer is a powerful weapon for a believing Jew. We all believe that. At present, he clearly understands matters differently. For him in particular it takes a lot of courage to take a different position about how we should conduct ourselves today. I am certain that he still believes, as do all of us in the power of communal prayer. So why do we encourage people to avoid it at this time? Dr Glatt also shared the following in his letter: “A new analysis from the Urban Health Collaborative at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University says nearly 250,000 people in the nation’s 30 largest cities are alive today because of strict stay-at-home orders issued by local and state governments. Stay-at-home orders likely reduced the number of coronavirus deaths by 232,878 and prevented 2.1 million people from requiring hospitalization. Wow. This analysis showed what might have happened had Americans not taken the drastic social distancing steps ordered and encouraged over the last few months. We in our communities have certainly seen the evidence of this with our own eyes as boruch Hashem we successfully flattened the curve. But we must remain unbelievably vigilant that it doesn’t come back with a vengeance.“ Rav Meir Twersky of YU has written two lengthy responsa urging great caution before returning to communal prayer. He has pointed out that the medical community, while highly professional, still do not understand this virus and its behavior and consequences fully. They have had to retract previously held theories. I heard one very competent Orthodox Jewish doctor declare about ten weeks ago: “I would rather have Corona than the flu”. At the time that he said it, he was correct. Today, he is among those urging us to stay away from prayer gatherings at this moment. In an earlier letter, I quoted some highly competent infectious disease specialists of international renown. They include the Dutch doctor who did the most significant work on the Ebola disease. They write about the unknown, but of the possible. People who have had the virus and who have recovered may still have long lasting affects on their cardio vascular systems and their renal systems. These could be life-threatening effects. Is there a way to have a gathering of 10 people for prayer services and be safe? From all that I have read, I believe it is possible to have a safe gathering for prayer.   What has to happen is that there is appropriate social distancing, everyone wearing a face mask, everyone bringing their own prayer paraphernalia.  If there is a Torah scroll, only one person can stand with it,  i.e. the reader, and possibly, it’s advisable to start from Nishmas on Shabbos/YT or Yishtabach on weekdays and continue until the end. The earlier parts of the service should be said privately before arriving. At the conclusion there should be no socializing, and everyone should just return home. In fact, I believe that according to the guidelines of the Agudah, such a service is possible and may be conducted today. I want to emphasize that I believe that those guidelines are responsible guidelines. The OU/RCA guidelines differ. They too, are responsible. We at YIW are following the latter guidelines. From my point of view. if one of our members chooses to join a minyan that complies fully with the governor’s criteria, he knows how to safely conduct himself safely. I have included guidelines for such services in this letter because I share in the desire to do so myself and I suspect that they will take place.. At present that is not our recommendation. I think full compliance as indicated above, is the safest choice. But, I understand the need of a devout Jew to have communal services. I want to be clear. I am not endorsing such services.I will not attend any services until our doctors and halachic authorities recommend them. But, I understand the need that some people have for them. All responsible organizations are trying to do their very best to protect their constituents. None of us really knows if our choices are the best choices. The medical community does not know if there will be a second wave. They do not know how vicious or benign that wave might be. In the 1918 flu pandemic there were two additional waves. Each more vicious than the previous wave. That pandemic killed over 100,000,000 people. It only went away when the flu virus mutated to a less virulent form. In 1920 when it went away, there was no flu vaccine. So to summarize, we are only trying to do our best. We do not know if our guidance is absolutely correct. We do know that what we are recommending is safe. We join with the rest of our people and all good people and pray that this will be over as soon as possible. And may we be blessed to return to our shuls, to tefila betzibur and to a vibrant social life with our dear families, friends and community members once again. ​​​​​​​RHB

May 22, 2020

 

FROM SENATOR TODD KAMINSKY Dear Friend, I hope this email finds you and your family well. I’m happy to report that beaches are open for Memorial Day Weekend, albeit with new guidelines in place. Here is some info I hope you find helpful: On May 15, Governor Cuomo announced—in a joint effort with Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware—that beaches will reopen in time for the holiday weekend, as long as these protocols are followed: No more than 50 percent capacity No group contact activities, including sports (e.g. volleyball, football) Keep areas where people gather closed (e.g. designated picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, arcades, amusement rides) Enforced social distancing measures for both employees and visitors Masks to be worn when social distancing is not possible Concessions will be closed   Here is a list of beaches and who may access them:   NICKERSON BEACH, Lido Beach (run by Nassau County)– Capacity will be capped at 1,000 and will be open to Nassau County residents only, beginning Friday, May 22. Cabanas will open June 21. Lifeguards are on duty at 10 a.m. An entrance fee of $5 with proof of residency (credit or debit card only) will be collected from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. LONG BEACH, open to LONG BEACH RESIDENTS ONLY with social distancing measures in place. Beaches run by the Town of Hempstead are open to Nassau County residents only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Parking fees are collected from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty (mid-June through early September: daily, but weekends only prior to that). The fee for parking is $10 for residents, $50 for Nassau residents who do not live in the Town of Hempstead. These beaches include: LIDO BEACH TOWN PARK, Lido Beach LIDO WEST TOWN PARK, Lido Beach TOWN PARK POINT LOOKOUT, Point Lookout TOWN PARK AT SANDS, Lido Beach Private beach clubs in Atlantic Beach will open May 30. *Jones Beach State Park has no residential restrictions and is open to everyone, with social distancing measures in place and capped at 50 percent capacity. Plan on arriving early.   Running beaches at 50 percent capacity is difficult under any circumstances but would have been made even more so with an influx of city residents since Mayor de Blasio has refused to open New York City’s. I have led the charge in calling for him to open these beaches. Local residency restrictions will be lifted when NYC beaches are opened.

 

May 19, 2020

Legislator Howard Kopel’s Coronavirus Update:

New York State has reported improvements across the board in the containment of the COVID-19 virus, with overall hospitalizations, intubations, and deaths declining on a daily basis.  There are now a total of 624 COVID-19 related patients in our hospitals.  192 patients are in the ICU and 153 patients are on ventilators. 10 Nassau residents passed away from COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the total to 2,053 since the outbreak began. As the number of people on ventilators continues to drop, the numbers of daily deaths should also drop.

Nassau will remain under the state’s “NY PAUSE” order, keeping non-essential businesses and schools closed, while we try to meet the remaining benchmarks needed to reopen.  The “Long Island Region” currently meets five of seven requirements.  The state’s “Dashboard” regarding the metrics can be seen here: https://forward.ny.gov/regional-monitoring-dashboard.

Understand that the decision as to whether and when the Nassau economy is reopened is entirely within the hands of Governor Cuomo. He has determined that most of the state excluding New York City and its immediate suburbs can start the process. Nassau County has met almost all of the Governor’s criteria for reopening, but there are still over 150 people still in Nassau hospitals on ventilators, of who many are, unfortunately likely to die. Also, it is likely that many of the people in Nassau hospitals such as LIJ and North Shore are Queens residents, but are counted by the state as Nassau hospitalizations and deaths. Therefore, the final metrics may be difficult to meet.

As a further update on last week’s informal survey of residents, I can say that, as previously reported, the vote in favor of reopening was about 61%, vs 39% that voted to wait longer. Some interesting notes are that among both groups, there was a general, but not unanimous willingness to reopen now, but with safeguards. Also, I was able to identify 9 physicians that responded. (There were likely more, but not identifiable as such.) Among these, the sentiment was similarly overwhelming to reopen, but with safeguards.

I’ve asked for your opinion, and you deserve to know mine. I feel that it is time to cautiously reopen. I believe that, by and large, most of us are sensible and responsible people who know that we need to take care of our health and that of our loved ones. We know that we need to keep safe distances from those not living in our households, to wear masks and gloves, and to use soap and sanitizer often. We need to maintain special precautions for the elderly and infirm, and those that need help should get it. There should be significant fines for those that endanger fellow citizens, but we cannot indefinitely extend the lockdown period. We need to enable people to earn a living again because families are suffering, and there is damage to health and lives caused by the lockdown as well.

May 15, 2020

Legislator Howard Kopel’s Coronavirus Update:

The trend of decreasing COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in Nassau is continuing. There are currently 712 COVID-19 patients in Nassau hospitals, a slight increase from yesterday. There are 229 patients in the ICU and 193 patients on ventilators.  All of these numbers have increased slightly since yesterday. In the last 24 hours, 156 Nassau residents tested positive for the virus. For the ninth day in a row, there have been no new Nassau County Police Department Officers or Nassau County Corrections Officers testing positive for COVID-19. Since the outbreak began, 2,016 residents have died.

We took a minor step back today, in terms of meeting the state’s benchmarks for reopening. We went from meeting 5 of 7 benchmarks, to only meeting 4 of 7 benchmarks. We are right at the 30% threshold for the number of beds available in all of the hospitals but have not exceeded 30%. In addition, Nassau has 2.85 new cases per 10K residents, an increase from 2.66 new cases per 100K residents yesterday. While some areas of the state will begin phase one of reopening tomorrow, Long island is not expected to begin to open up until June. For descriptions of the benchmarks and to track where Long Island stands, visit the New York Forward website here: https://forward.ny.gov/regional-monitoring-dashboard

New York State COVID-19 Metric Benchmarks:

P    #1  Decline in Total Hospitalizations.

 X     #2 Decline in Deaths.

 X     #3 New Hospitalizations.

 X     #4 Hospital Bed Capacity.

 P    #5 ICU Bed Capacity.

 P    #6 Diagnostic Testing Capacity.

 P    #7 Contact Tracing Capacity.

The Nassau County BAR Association is accepting emails for COVID-19 related legal inquiries. Emails should be sent to Covidhelp@nassaubar.org. Member volunteers are helping residents with a variety of issues, especially landlord/tenant and employment. They can also help answer questions about Federal Small Business Administration loans.

Visit my website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

May 11, 2020

Legislator Howard Kopel Coronavirus Update:

Today is the 26^th day in a row that there was a decrease in COVID-19 related hospitalizations in Nassau. There are 867 people hospitalized across the county’s 11 hospitals with COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators has also decreased to 227, and just 120 Nassau residents have tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours. There has not been a positive case reported in the Nassau County Police Department or Sheriff’s departments for one week. Since the outbreak began, 1,973 residents have died.

As of today, Long Island has met 5 of the 7 benchmarks set by the state for reopening. It is important to note that the state’s benchmark encompasses Nassau and Suffolk into one “Long Island” category.  The two areas where we have not yet reached the benchmarks are a 14-day decline in hospital deaths, and new hospitalizations; under 2 per 100k residents. There is also the requirement to have a 90-day supply of PPE, which we have not met, and we would need a much larger warehouse to be able to meet. For the past three days, we have seen a declining death rate. If that continues, we will be able to hit that benchmark. As for hospitalizations, because Nassau, Suffolk, and NYC residents use our hospitals, this will be difficult, and will take time. There is no differentiation in rate based on where the patient lives.

Governor Cuomo said that each region would be in charge of how quickly it brings back its local economy. He said some “low-risk business and recreational activities” would be again permitted statewide as of May 15^th, including landscaping and gardening work and sports like tennis, as well as drive-in movie theaters.

Stay tuned for another email coming tomorrow, with my poll to find out how residents of the 7^th District feel about reopening the economy. Right now, the County Executive has said that she doesn’t expect to do so before the end of June. Do you agree? Be sure to cast your vote. The results will be posted on my website.

This weekend, Governor Cuomo also issued an Executive Order that extends the following:

·       The validity of driver’s licenses that expired on or after March 1^st to June 6^th;

·       The validity of registrations that expired on or after March 1^st to June 6^th;

·       The suspension of annual safety and biennial emissions inspection requirements for certificates that expired after March 27^th to June 6^th.

Visit my website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

May 8, 2020

LETTER FROM RABBI ZALMAN WOLOWIK   I sincerely hope that this letter finds you and your family healthy and safe, and managing well under the current challenging circumstances. At the current point in time, our community has now maintained a consistently low incidence of new cases for an entire 14-day incubation period. This fact, according to many infectious disease specialists, indicates that the decreased prevalence of disease is real and sustainable for at least the short term. Additionally, due to our community’s adherence to the lockdown, virus infectivity rates have gradually decreased, and the reproductive rate of the virus is now estimated at a level wherein, if we maintain current protocols of social distancing, the level of infection will with G-d’s help continue its downward trend. Based on these facts, many doctors now advise that outdoor Minyanim under specific circumstances, within strict social distancing protocol, and adhering to NY State legal guidelines, could be safely conducted. This information is relevant only to the Five Towns community at the present time, and is not to be applied to any other community. The following are the halachic and medical guidelines for the outdoor lawn minyanim / daily prayer services. 1) I want to make it clear that each family must remain solely on their own property, and at least 6ft. away from any neighbor. We cannot currently allow Minyanim to form in a single yard, parking lot, or street, even when wearing masks and practicing social distancing [pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order {202.18} prohibiting non-essential gatherings of ten people in one place – whether in a public or private location. The only way a Minyan could currently be allowed is for each family to remain on their own property (e.g. porch, front, or back yard), and join with others in their immediate vicinity- where participants can see each otherwithout leaving their individual properties. 2) In order for a minyan to be halachically permitted we must insure that all 10 minyan participants must all reside in homes on the same side of the block, remain on their own outdoor properties, while being able to see and hear chazzan and torah reader at all times. Additionally, there may not be a public thoroughfare ie: street or sidewalk  between the 10 minyan participants. 3) Only OUTDOOR Minyanim are permitted. Under no circumstances may a Minyan be held indoors, even in the event of rain, and even for a Yahrzeit. People may not gather on a single property or on the street. 4)   I encourage all to wear masks at all times when outdoors not to allow laxity in social distancing 5)  Individuals with underlying health issues, the immuno-compromised, the elderly (65+), or anyone exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, may not participate in a Minyan. Children under bar mitzvah should not join. 6) All people on your lawn must be people residing at your home.  Even if you are keeping 6 feet social distance non residents should not be on your lawn. 7)  While the Torah is being read: The Torah must remain on 1 persons property and not switch locations All receiving an aliyah must be from 1 family.  When there are not enough people to cover all the aliyas those in the family receiving the aliyahs should rotate in a way that no one receives 2 consecutive aliyahs. When there is only 1 individual present on the property that the Torah is read, he should receive all the aliyahs. In any of these situations where there is not enough for 8 aliyahs ( on Shabbat) Maftir is omitted and immediately after the 7th aliyah, hafotrah is read by the person who received the 7th aliyah. In this situation kaddish is omitted between the Torah reading and haftorah. 8) If someone disregards the above guidelines the minyan must stop immediately and the chazan or baal koreh may not continue until the situation is rectified. 9) If one cannot join such a minyan, you should attempt to schedule your prayer during the same time that a minyan is taking place. No one should be be considered at fault or feel social pressure for missing out on the opportunity of attending a minyan. As the above stated guidelines MUST be followed, this option will only benefit a small percentage of our community. I will G-d willing continue to keep you informed as the CDC updates become available. My responsibility to be proactive and vigilant against any possibility of health risk extends to far more than just Minyanim. We must all continue to exercise caution and to take precautions to avoid any health risk, and fully observe social distancing protocols in any and all of our interactions.As always, it is imperative that you follow the guidance of your Rabbi when it comes to all halachic decisions.  We continue to daven daily that this unprecedented situation comes to an end soon, and we should be able to return to our Shul and Schools very soon. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly May we merit to see the eradication of all illness with the coming of Moshiach speedily in our times. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik

Dear Members of the YILC Community We are aware that there are congregations that have been sending out emails allowing the possibility of davening with an outdoors minyan this coming Shabbos under certain guidelines. We will only recommend changes to the protocols that we have followed during this very difficult period, when we are advised to do so by our doctors and our Halachic authorities. At this moment relaxing the social distancing protocols and allowing davening with a minyan, even outdoors while on separate properties, is premature and still unsafe. This is in line with leading infectious disease doctors, including Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt and in concert with the policy of the Orthodox Union guidelines which were released today, with the Halachik council of Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rabbi Asher Weiss, Rabbi Mordechai Willig and Rabbi Dovid Cohen, under the guidance of Dr Fauci, director of the NIAID, and in agreement with the many shuls in the neighborhood which fall under the umbrella of the OU and YU. As such, there will be no porch or outdoor services this weekend in the YILC community. We assure you that moving towards davening with a minyan is a top priority for us. We look forward to sending out guidelines for reopening tefilah b’tzibbur as soon as possible. Rabbi Ya’akov Trump

May 7, 2020

Legislator Howard Kopel’s Coronavirus Update:

We continue to see positive signs with the decrease in hospitalization rates, and confirmed cases. Today Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Larry Eisenstein remained optimistic, cautioning, however that this is the point where other countries opened up and numbers spiked. We will continue to watch the numbers closely for any uptick, especially after the beautiful weekend we had. It is still critically important to continue social distancing and wearing face coverings in public.

Today is the 20^th day in a row that there was a decrease in COVID-19 related hospitalizations in Nassau. This is also the second day in a row that the number of positive cases was under 200. Only 188 Nassau residents have tested positive in the last 24 hours. COVID-19 patients in ICU and on ventilators also decreased. There are now 1,018 COVID-19 patients in all 11 Nassau hospitals. 276 are on ventilators and 336 are in the ICU.  Unfortunately, 1,818 Nassau County residents have died from COVID-19 to date.

New York State plans to hire a team of 6,400 to 17,000 people to perform contact tracing in communities across the state, including Nassau County. Contact Tracers will be tasked with calling every person diagnosed with COVID-19, establishing all contacts of this person, and proceed to call and maintain ongoing communication with every contact. In addition, the team will support the isolation and quarantine of individuals. To be considered, candidates must be a New York State resident 18 years of age or older; go through an interview process; and complete a training and certification program. Work will be done virtually. For more information, and to apply, visit the site here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-can-help

Today is #GivingTuesdayNOW! Last week I announced my partnership with Long Island Cares-Harry Chapin Food Bank to host a virtual food drive for those who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are almost half-way to our goal of 5,000 lbs. of food! Use the link below and help make a difference by making a donation without leaving your home. Long Island Cares will receive the donated food and deliver it to those in need  – https://yougivegoods.com/nclegislators

May 1, 2020

Legislator Howard Kopel’s Coronavirus Update:

As we begin Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remember our children who may be especially struggling during the COVID-19 outbreak. Many children across the county are having a hard time being out of school, away from their friends, and cooped up at home. Both Nassau County and New York State have programs and resources that can help children and families cope with the “New Normal”. View those programs and resources on my website, here: https://bit.ly/2KSrAgA

Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced that schools and colleges will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. The Governor said it is too complex and risky at this time to come up with a plan to sufficiently social distance in crowded schools while COVID-19 remains widespread in the state, though numbers of cases are declining.

This weekend’s weather looks especially nice. I encourage everyone to get out for some fresh air and maybe enjoy golf, a walk, or a bike ride in one of our county parks. While it will be nice, and things are beginning to look up from a public health standpoint, still make sure to keep an appropriate social distance, and wear a face-covering when going out.

Today is the 16^th day that we continue to decrease in COVID-19 related hospitalizations.

• There are 1,459 COVID patients hospitalized in Nassau.
• There are 338 COVID patients on ventilators, which is an increase of 6 from yesterday.
• There are 397 COVID patients in ICU.
• The total number of confirmed cases in Nassau County is 36,101 (including those who have recovered); an increase of 307 since yesterday.
• Unfortunately, 1,720 Nassau County residents have died from COVID-19 to date.

I am proud to announce that I am partnering with Long Island Cares – Harry Chapin Food Bank to host a virtual food drive for those who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I know that many are wary of spending extra time in grocery stores or interacting with others. The virtual food drive is a great way to donate without leaving your home. Simply visit the link below and click “shop now” to buy the items that you select. Long Island Cares will receive the donated food and will provide the food to those in need.

https://yougivegoods.com/nclegislators

For many high school seniors, today’s announcement about school closures means they will not have their proms, senior sports, or get to spend these last precious months with their friends. To recognize these high school seniors who have gone through this unprecedented time, Nassau County will join with high schools across the county to light up sports fields in their honor. Congrats to the class of 2020!

Visit my website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

April 30, 2020

Dear Mark, By now we have all read about the evolving impacts from the coronavirus (COVID-19) across the globe. For many of us, the effects have shifted from a piece of news to a part of life. As the mounting statistics start to include the people we love, we recognize that, along with health concerns, there are many unfortunate financial implications: events are being canceled, restaurants are left empty, and people unable to go to work as they live through their quarantine, to name a few. For many working people in New York City and the surrounding area, several weeks without pay can quickly lead to financial crisis. To meet this need, the Hebrew Free Loan Society will be offering interest-free bridge loans for anyone affected by the coronavirus who lives in the five boroughs of New York City, in Westchester County, or on Long Island. The help is here, but we need your help getting the word out. Interest-free loans of $2,000-$5,000 are available to anyone affected by the coronavirus, for purposes including (but not limited to): Lost wages due to being unable to go to work Child care costs due to school closures Small business losses Canceled study abroad programs Related medical costs To apply, borrowers simply need to fill out a Coronavirus Financial Bridge Loan application specifying that the request is for coronavirus related needs, specifying an amount between $2,000-$5,000 and providing information for just one guarantor. Please help us spread the word! Forward this e-mail widely, and share our posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter so we can reach those in need. Many thanks for your partnership, Rabbi David Rosenn Executive Director

April 26, 2020

BS”D Rosh Chodesh I’yar 5780, 15 B’Omer / April 24, 2020   Lichvod the Wonderful Members of our Far Rockaway and Five Towns Community שיחיו, We sincerely hope that this letter finds you all managing well under the current difficult circumstances, and we daven continuously that HaKB”H send all Acheinu B’nei Yisroel the refuos, nechamos, and yeshuos for which we all so truly yearn. There has recently been much discussion regarding the loosening of social distancing restrictions. We would like to specifically address herein the numerous calls and requests that have been presented to all our community Rabbanim regarding outdoor Minyanim. Many individuals have been asking Rabbanim to demonstrate leadership by  issuing clear guidelines for the establishment of safe outdoor Minyanim. We all understand that Tefilla Bi’Tzibbur is a crucial imperative for Klal Yisroel, especially in a time of crisis, and that davening together could provide us the זכויות and the connection that we so desperately need. People are requesting that Rabbanim, in conjunction with medical professionals, create guidelines for safe and legal Minyanim in our neighborhoods, with all participants wearing masks at safe distances, perhaps on separate properties, with safeguards in place to ensure that there is no significant risk. We, the undersigned Rabbanim and Roshei Yeshivos, after much thought and careful consideration, feel obligated to communicate- in unequivocal terms- our united decision to reinforce our previous mandate, and bid our community against the creation of any Minyanim, as well as to cease unauthorized Minyanim. This includes porches, front-/backyard, Minyanim– with no exceptions whatsoever. We will continue to reassess and reanalyze this decision on a regular and ongoing basis as new developments unfold. Pikuach Nefesh is the greatest imperative in the Torah, and overrides almost any other Mitzva. Although on an individual level it may be possible to safeguard against risk, it is impossible to allow the establishment of Minyanim across a community without also accepting the unavoidable violations of safety guidelines and inadvertent health risks that will inevitably result (especially with hundreds davening three times a day, every day). כל המקיים נפש אחת מישראל…כאילו קיים עולם מלא– סנהדרין לז. Easing the prohibition would be, at the very minimum, a Sa’fek Pi’kuach Nefesh that could endanger participants, and could increase the likelihood of illness and loss of life in our community, chalila vi’chas. And this simply cannot be allowed. At this point in time, this overarching principle is docheh the imperatives of Tefilla B’tzibbur, Aveilim reciting Kaddish, and many other Halachos. We call upon each and every member of our community to adhere to the safeguards that are essential for the protection of us all. Let us do our absolute utmost in following the Torah’s mandate of ונשמרתם מאד לנפשותיכם. Our responsibility to be proactive and vigilant against any possibility of health risk and sakanah extends to far more than just Minyanim. It should be obvious that if we have taken this extraordinary step of temporarily being mi’vatel Tefilla B’Tzibbur in order to save lives, we most certainly must be extra cautious when shopping and engaging in any other activity outside the home. We strongly urge our community to not only adhere scrupulously to all laws and protocols regarding social distancing, but also to exhibit extra zehirus and care to stay within your homes, and to limit any outside social interactions- even while wearing masks- to only that which is extremely important, absolutely necessary, and truly unavoidable. This includes avoiding trips into restaurants and other situations of potential exposure that are not truly essential. We must all do our absolute utmost– especially at this critical time, in the midst of a true “eis tzara“– to avoid any machlokes or strife in our community. One may certainly report an unauthorized Minyan to his Rav, but he should not engage in any negative behavior, malicious activity, threats, or machlokes of any kind. Let us work together to be marbeh Kevod Shamayim – bi’shalom-each and every day. We know that current conditions have been extremely difficult. We truly commiserate and are in constant deliberation how best to make the matzav more bearable. Please take comfort in the fact that, B’Ezras Hashem, your admirable efforts and sacrifices have made a dramatic difference: you have saved, and will IY”H continue to save, countless lives. Yi’yasher Ko’chachem for all your tremendous concern, patience, and understanding. !חזק חזק ונתחזק  We will get through this crisis together as a unified community, with abundant Siyata Dishmaya each and every day IY”H. Let us continue to give the Ribbono Shel Olam נחת רוח in carrying out Ratzon Hashem at this time, and merit to emerge from this crisis stronger and better than ever before. With boundless love, profound care and concern, and sincere admiration for this incredible and special community, 56 Roshei Yeshivos and Rabbanim in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway/Bayswater Community- in alphabetical order: R’ Shalom Axelrod R’ Yaakov Bender R’ Dovid Bender R’ Hershel Billet R’ Yisroel Meir Blumenkrantz R’ Meyer Bodner R’ Simcha Bondi R’ Meir Braunstein R’ Dov Bressler R’ Moshe Brown R’ Pinchas Chatzinoff R’ Shaul Chill R’ Ariel Edelstein R’ Menachem Feifer R’ Aaron Feigenbaum R’ Eytan Feiner R’ Yaakov Feitman R’ Eliezer Feuer R’ Tzvi Flaum R’ Binyamin Forst R’ Aryeh Zev Ginzberg R’ Daniel Glatstein R’ Dr. Aaron Glatt R’ Nosson Greenberg R’ Kenneth Hain R’ Simcha Hopkovitz R’ Yaakov Horowitz R’ Naftali Jaeger R’ Yudi Jeger R’ Muttel Katz R’ Moshe Zev Katzenstein R’ Aryeh Lebowitz R’ Simcha Lefkowitz R’ Yoni Levin R’ Avi Miller R’ Motti Neuburger R’ Uri Orlian R’ Yechiel Yitzchok Perr R’ Ephraim Polakoff R’ Zvi Ralbag R’ Isaac Rice R’ Elysha Sandler R’ Shay Schachter R’ Yehuda Septimus R’ Aaron Stein R’ Asher Stern R’ Mordechai Stern R’ Moshe Teitelbaum R’ Yaakov Trump R’ Shmaryahu Weinberg R’ Moshe Weinberger R’ Pinchus Weinberger R’ Akiva Willig R’ Eliyahu Wolf R’ Zalman Wolowik R’ Mordechai Yaffe

Dear Friends, We are now entering the seventh week of isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and there are some positive trends to share. The spread of the virus seems to be slowing down. There are more people leaving the hospital than entering, and the average of new arrivals per week has decreased. We want to give chizuk to everyone for the very real sacrifices they are making to adhere to the community guidelines. Our medical advisory panel, made up of outstanding doctors of infectious disease, specialists, and doctors directing Covid ICU units, has expressed that our efforts are the only reason that the curve is slowly flattening. However, we are still in the midst of a serious medical crisis which can only be managed by continued in-home isolation, social distancing, regular hand washing, gloves, masks etc. Our medical advisory panel is unanimous in emphasizing the absolute necessity to refrain from any form of social gathering indoors or outdoors. Unfortunately, many of our citizens are not taking this seriously enough. People do not understand that even if they feel well, they can still be asymptomatic carriers of the disease. Even if they have recovered from the disease, they very well may still be capable of transmitting infection. Failure to follow the unanimous guidelines of our distinguished doctors puts everyone at risk. We are aware of play dates being made for children in people’s homes. We are aware of people inviting guests for meals on the holidays and Shabbos. We are aware of children from different  families being on Zoom classes together in the same home. We understand that we all have to eat and hence we have to shop for food. But when doing that, only one person per home should go to the store at a time, that person should be wearing a mask and gloves and maintaining social distance. Socializing inside or outside the supermarkets is very dangerous. Many of our citizens are in violation of these rules. Based on the unanimous advice of our medical panel, it is our opinion that there can be no religious services, indoors or outdoors. That includes driveways, parking lots, on lawns etc. We all miss praying with a minyan. We all want to go back to our synagogues, but at this point in time it is essential that we all stay indoors and do not engage in public religious activity. Unanimous compliance is the only way to protect ourselves and others in our community. We look forward to informing you when we are able to relax these rules. We have consulted with our halachic authorities who have advised us to follow the advice of the doctors. Our community is fortunate to have several doctors who are recognized experts in the field of infectious diseases, and we benefit from their constant counsel, which is based on both medical expertise, and thorough insider knowledge of how our community operates. The medical professionals only, and not the government, will determine when we are able to relax all standards of social isolation. Until we notify you differently, these guidelines will remain in force. We encourage you to take walks with your family, bike ride, and jog. These types of activities are good for the mind and the spirit, but they should be done alone or with immediate family members and with proper social distancing from others. Today is Rosh Chodesh and we pray that the positive trends will continue and that our social and communal activity will, like the moon, soon be able to grow. Until then, we wish you a Good Shabbos and a Chodesh Tov. Rabbi Shalom Axelrod Rabbi Hershel Billet Rabbi Dovid Cohen Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum Rabbi Dr. Aaron E. Glatt Rabbi Kenneth Hain Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz Rabbi Avi Miller Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff Rabbi Shay Schachter Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum Rabbi Ya’akov Trump Rabbi Zalman Wolowik Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf

Legislator Howard Kopel Coronavirus Update:

While all of the statewide and Nassau County numbers continue to move in the right direction, Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Larry Eisenstein has warned that opening up the county prematurely would lead to a spike in new COVID-19 cases, and risk overwhelming the hospitals. We need to get our small businesses up and running and get everyone back to work, but we have to do it safely.

The new total number of confirmed cases in Nassau County is now 32,765 (including those who have recovered); an increase of 641 since yesterday. There are currently 1659 (over 200 less than yesterday)

COVID-19 patients in Nassau hospitals. The number of COVID-19 patients in the ICU fell from 512 to 466. Tragically though, 1,518 Nassau County residents have died from the virus since the outbreak began.

State health officials said today that the virus can live up to 72 hours on stainless steel and plastic surfaces, and droplets can hang in the air for three hours. This is why it is important to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and sanitize your hands and other surfaces often.

Due to the current pandemic, and in accordance with orders issued by the Governor and New York State’s Chief Judge, the Nassau County Clerk is unable to accept SCAR (Small Claims Assessment Review) filings to challenge your property tax assessment at this time. Please monitor the County Clerk’s website at https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/458/County-Clerk for updates on when the filing period will resume. While New York State has delayed the opening of the SCAR filing period, petition forms and instructions are still available on the Clerk’s website to print and prepare at home.

Important Note: Yesterday’s update suggested that people that had antibodies from a previous coronavirus infection are immune, and therefore are completely and permanently safe from reinfection and from infecting other people. While this is the hope and expectation of many experts in the field, it is not yet a proven fact. Accordingly, I suggest that, as a reasonable precaution, all of us continue to exercise caution and follow instructions of experts with regard to social distancing until this situation becomes clear.

Visit my website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

Sincerely,

April 22, 2020

April 22, 2020, Coronavirus Update:

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! It is a beautiful day to get outside and take a socially distant walk around the neighborhood or in one of our beautiful county parks. As we continue to battle this COVID-19 outbreak, I encourage everyone to get some fresh air if you are able; even if just for a little while. But when you do, be careful to maintain social distancing from other people.

There are 31,555 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nassau County (includes those who have had the virus and recovered). This is an increase of 476 since yesterday. The number of hospitalizations across the county and the state continue to fall. Today, it was announced that we have gone 7 straight days with a declining hospitalization rate. Nassau hospitals now have less than 2,000 COVID-19 patients, and the number of residents on ventilators has decreased by 20% from last week.  Unfortunately, 1,431 Nassau County residents have died from the virus since the outbreak began.

The Governor announced today that NY, NJ, and CT will launch a nation-leading contact tracing program. Tracing monitors contacts of those who test positive with COVID-19 and notifies them of their exposure. The Governor says this will be an essential step as we look to take New York off PAUSE and begin to reopen.

It is important for those suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia to have a strong support group that offers cognitive stimulation, social engagements, and disease education. To provide this support, the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and Dementia Center has introduced a “Virtual Early Stage Meet up” that will meet virtually or by phone every Wednesday, April 22 through June 10, from 11AM to 12PM. Pre-registration is required. Please call their 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit http://www.alz.org/LongIsland to register.

Our local restaurants and bars across the district and county continue to struggle as “NY PAUSE” remains in effect. I encourage everyone to purchase gift cards to help out our small businesses if you are able. Buy now, and enjoy a nice night out when this is all over, or order take out, or home delivery for a night off from cooking.

Visit my website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Howard Kopel

Legislator, District 7

April 21, 2020

1. The COVID-19 virus is very contagious, and while no one will know for sure how contagious it is until we know how many people have actually been infected with it, I think it’s safe to say that the numbers of confirmed cases far underestimate the actual number of people who have been infected. It may well be that for every person who knows they have the virus, maybe five, ten, or possibly more don’t know they have it, but they are still capable of shedding the virus and infecting those in contact with them.
2. Everyone is talking about the need for antibody tests as a way to a communal return to normal. There are many issues with antibody tests:
   • We don’t know how often they will give false negative or false positive results. We do know that this occurs.
   • We don’t know if having antibodies means that you’re no longer infectious to others or that you’re immune to re-infection. The data is insufficient.
   • We don’t know what antibody level is protective. It is not a yes or no result.
   • We don’t know what other infections can give a positive test to this screening antibody.
   • We don’t know how long protection, if there is protection, will last.
   • Antibody tests are very useful for epidemiological information. I’m not discounting that.But it should not be used to give you a false sense of invulnerability.
3. I don’t expect a return to “normal” life until most people have antibodies to the virus. That is called “herd immunity”. If most of the herd are immune, the virus has no easy path to go from person to person. There are two ways to acquire antibodies. One is by infection, the other is by vaccine. I do not expect a vaccine to be found, proven to be both effective and safe, and to be marketed in less than a year. It may be longer. I hope I’m wrong.
4. We cannot eyeball someone and know if they are a risk to us. This applies to neighbors, friends, and family.

1. We should always assume that everyone is shedding the virus. You can’t go wrong with this premise. Maintain social distancing at all times with people not in your household. (I’m assuming that those in your household don’t have it. If they are sick, that is a different discussion.) This applies to everyone not living in your house. Even close friends. Even family.
2. Wear a mask at all times. Even if it doesn’t protect you, it will prevent you from spreading the virus by sneezing or coughing or through saliva. Not everyone knows that they have been infected. Any of us can be asymptomatic sources of transmission. If everyone wears a mask, it will have a significant impact on spread.
3. Don’t think that groups that you organize are safe. Do not attend any group meeting that anyone sets up.It is both illegal and dangerous. This includes religious gatherings.
4. Organize your shopping trips and other necessary trips. Don’t go back for items one at a time. That is unfair to you, your family, and the workers in the store. Try to minimize your time near other people.
5. If you’re exposed to someone with the virus, go into quarantine. You owe it to everyone else to not expose them.  No matter how well you feel, you can be in the incubation period (the time between infection and symptoms) and spread the virus to your contacts.  This is not your choice.  It’s part of your obligation to your neighbors. Stay inside if you’ve been exposed until the incubation period passes – which is now thought to be about 2 weeks.

April 18, 2020

COVID-19
By the Numbers

Nassau County
Executive Laura Curran

April 16, 2020

Legislator Howard Kopel Coronavirus Update:

Today, Governor Cuomo extended the “NY PAUSE” directive until May 15^th. This means that all non-essential businesses, as well as schools, will continue to be closed until at least that time. While state-wide hospitalization rates, the number of intubations, and the number of confirmed cases seem to be decreasing, the worry is that by opening everything up too soon, the rate of infection will increase.

The number of Nassau residents testing positive for COVID-19 is now 27,772 up 1,095 from yesterday. There are 2,419 residents in the hospital with the Coronavirus, 592 of those residents are in critical condition. Yesterday, 235 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals across the county. There are overall 58 fewer COVID-19 patients in hospitals today than yesterday.  Unfortunately, 1,109 Nassau residents have died of the virus since the outbreak began.

A veteran Sands Point police sergeant has died after contracting COVID-19. Sgt. Joseph Spinosa died Wednesday. The department called Spinosa’s passing a line-of-duty death. My heart goes out to Sgt. Spinosa’s family and friends, and all those who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19.

Yesterday, the Governor issued an Executive Order stating that effective at 8 p.m. this Friday, anyone who is over the age of two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering will be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining social distance. The CDC has updated its guidance to reflect this new directive. Information from the CDC can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

Federal Economic Impact payments were deposited to eligible residents via direct deposit yesterday. To check the status of your payment, see if you are eligible, or to input your direct deposit information, visit the IRS website here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Visit my website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Howard Kopel

Legislator, District 7

April 12, 2020

Howard KopelCoronavirus Update:

Nassau County Health Commissioner Larry Eisenstein said today that we have hit a plateau in terms of hospitalizations and use of ventilators. The number of deaths will, unfortunately, continue to be high because of the poor prognosis of those on ventilators for a long time. There are 21,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nassau County. This is an increase of 1,372 since yesterday. This number also includes those who have recovered from the virus. Unfortunately, 723 Nassau County residents have passed away.

It was reported today, that for the fifth day in a row more people were discharged than were admitted to hospitals in Nassau County. Statewide, The Governor announced that there was a negative net change in intensive care admissions on Thursday for the first time since the coronavirus crisis began.  While things appear to be getting better, it is still important to adhere to all social distancing guidelines.

The Governor issued a new directive today closing all-state golf courses and driving ranges. In turn, the County has closed all of its courses and driving ranges as well. They will be closed until at least April 29^th.

I want to wish a very happy Easter Sunday to those who celebrate. While this Easter will feel a little different, it is in times like these we can turn to our faith and our family for comfort and relief; even if it has to be done digitally.

Visit my website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/521/District-7—Howard-J-Kopel

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Howard Kopel

Legislator, District 7

April 6, 2020

April 2nd, 2020

To our Dearest Community,

We are all trying to adjust to what has become our new normal of social distancing, and in these times we would like to again review some social distance recommendations based on the medical advice we have received and discuss some halachic questions related to Pesach in social distancing.

It is important to be aware that Pesach in social distancing is still Pesach. We should try to have a joyous Yom Tov. There is a Mitzva of Simchas Yom Tov, and even if we won’t have all of our normal expressions of Simcha, we might not be getting new clothes and we won’t be celebrating with family gatherings, friends, or guests, we should still try to find ways of feeling and expressing Simchas Yom Tov. Yom Tov brings us days of sanctity, and we should express that sanctity by dressing in our regular Yom Tov clothing and enjoying our Yom Tov meals.

Chodesh Nisan is a month of salvation and redemption. Chazal had a tradition that as the Jews were redeemed in Nisan from Egypt, we will again be redeemed in Nisan in the future. We pray that our celebrations of redemption will result in an expression of redemption speedily in our days.

While celebrating Pesach we are recommending the following processes and procedures. We appreciate the contributions from Rabbi Dr Aaron Glatt and Dr. Akiva Bergman.

Social Distancing Reminders/Updates:
Social distancing has been hard for all of us. The closing of our beloved shuls and schools has been painful, and isolating from one another goes against our better instincts as Jews who strive for achdus. With that in mind, we plead with everyone to remember:

Rule #1: Stay home. Save lives.
We should not be having any guests in our homes, and we should not be visiting our friends’ or families’ homes. We have been fielding questions from many people thinking of having their children or parents for Chag, and we are encouraging everyone to stay home and not to have guests, even extended family. There are some reasonable exceptions for Pesach, including cases of proper 14 day pre-quarantining; please speak with your doctor and your Rav if you have any questions.
As difficult as this may be, children from different families should not be playing together, even if they do not go into one another’s houses.
We encourage everyone to minimize leaving your homes, even if it comes at the expense of some of our normal Pesach preparations. For example, this year, we should not do clothing shopping or go for haircuts.
When going for essential shopping, such as for groceries, please keep shopping to a minimum by only sending one family member to the store who can go as quickly as possible, pick up what is needed, and return home.
If you do have to go out, please take care to stay as far as possible from one another. Please wear gloves and wash your hands after removing them. Consider wearing a mask or face cover.
If you are not feeling well, stay home and let someone else do errands for you. If you don’t have anyone to help you, please reach out to your Rabbi or to Achiezer. No one who is symptomatic should be going out in public.
If you are in quarantine, please honor that quarantine absolutely and stay in your home or backyard.
We should all be extra vigilant about proper hygiene. Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap; sneeze into tissues and flush them in the toilet immediately after.

With regards to Davening there should not be any outdoor minyanim.
There are some people who have been saying Kabbalas Shabbos or Lecha Dodi outside on their own porches. If people want to do that, everyone should stay on their own lawns; people should not gather at street corners or walk to someone else’s lawn to join together.

Some have assumed that hosting guests is not a health risk if one or both households are COVID positive, have fully recovered, and have been cleared from quarantine. However, that is NOT simple; please remember that even when someone is asymptomatic they can possibly still transmit the virus.

Therefore, isolation precautions, as possible, should still remain in effect for a longer period of time.

A final reminder for those still struggling being separate from their families or leaving their parents alone for sedarim: Even people who are feeling healthy can be asymptomatic carriers of the disease for weeks. We cannot be certain who is carrying and who is not. Please, do not take chances with your health or with the health of your loved ones; stay home, stay safe, and save lives. For questions about difficult predicaments with elderly family members, please reach out to your doctor and your Rabbi.
Regardless of how we personally are feeling, this is a time of literal pikuach nefesh. Every effort must be taken to follow these guidelines.

Mikva Protocols:
Regular Appointments
Under these trying circumstances we are aware that many are concerned about using the Mikva. We are talking to Medical professionals and working with the Mikvas to take precautions to allow women to use the Mikva in a fashion that protects everyone involved.
The CDC is saying that “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.” It would be ideal that we maintain our practice of using Mikva even in these trying times.
If someone has concerns about going to the Mikva they should speak to their Rabbi.
The Mikvas in town are now working by appointment only to better protect the people working at the Mikva and to allow for proper cleaning of the rooms between usage.
Women should do their preparations at home and should make every effort not to contact surfaces in the Mikva.

The mikvah contact details are as follows:
South Shore Mikvah (516) 569-5514; for appointments text (516) 666-3255
Grove Street Mikvah (516) 699-2000; http://www.grovestreetmikvah.org/

​​​​​​​Women may shower upon return from the mikvah.
All Mikvah attendants are taking extreme precautions.

Mikvah Protocols for Women Confirmed or Suspected of COVID-19
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or you have experienced symptoms associated with COVID-19, do not return to the Mikvah until at least seven (7) full days have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and significant improvement of respiratory symptoms (eg., cough, shortness of breath). In addition, the first time you return to the Mikvah please request an appointment towards the end of the evening.
In the event that a woman lives in a house with someone who is symptomatic and she herself is not symptomatic, she should wait 14 days from the day that no one in the house is displaying symptoms, before going to the mikvah. This is out of concern that someone can be incubating the virus for 14 days. This scenario could be very difficult for families and we should be cognizant of the fact that we are making short term sacrifices for the long term safety of our entire community.
This protocol was approved Rabbi Dr. Glatt and has the haskama of Rabbi Willig, shlita.

Tevilas Keilim
At the current time, we recommend not using keilim mikva’os.
Rabbi Schachter has given us some guidelines for Tevilas Keilum under these circumstances:
The ideal way to do Tevilas Keilim at such a time is to take the new vessels to the ocean and do Tevila with a Bracha. Included in this option is Doxy Pond between Woodmere and North Woodmere. This should be done with caution for basic safety and also, with the regulated social distancing.
Another option is to use disposable vessels as much as possible which according to Rav Moshe Feinstein do not require Tevila. Under the circumstances we can even rely upon the positions that disposable vessels can be washed and reused without tevilah.
If these options are not reasonable, in times when we cannot do Tevila we can sell Keilim to a non-Jew and borrow them back for usage. At a later point in time when our Mikvas will reopen we can buy our Keilim back from the non-Jews and do a proper Tevila. The Beth Din of America is organizing a sale of Keilim to non-Jews, you can authorize to sell your Keilim via this link. This sale is for vessels which will be used before or after in addition to being used on Pesach. Keilim which will only be used on Pesach, but not before or after Pesach, may be included in the Mechiras Chametz authorization form with each Rabbi.

If the sale to a non-Jew is not possible there is a possibility of making Keilim Hefker and then using the Keilim as ownerless. The method of Hefker is to declare to three people, two of whom are valid Halachik witnesses that these Keilim are ownerless. You have to really intend to renounce ownership of the Keilim which would allow someone else to take them at any point. After making the declaration leave the Keilim outside for a few minutes which will allow anyone who wants to take them the opportunity to do such. When the Mikvahs reopen these Keilim should be reacquired and taken to the Mikvah.

Purell and alcohol based sanitizers:
Purell and all alcohol-based sanitizers may be used on Pesach.

Car cleaning:
Those who are not able to properly clean their cars for Pesach on their own may hire someone else to do it. It is best for them to disinfect the steering wheel and door handles and leave the windows open when they have completed their cleaning. It is also best to pay via electronic means or leave payment in an envelope or bag.

Mechiras Chametz
We will all continue doing Mechiras Chametz online or in dropboxes this year, and not in person.

Taanis B’chorim
Because this fast is not a strict prohibition Rabbi Schachter is allowing the use of a live Virtual Siyum.

Biur Chametz
This year we will not be doing a communal burning of Chametz.
Rabbi Schachter has ruled that in these circumstances we may flush the chametz down the toilet.

Seder and Technology
Usage of Technology to have Seder along with family members in different locations who may be alone for Pesach is not allowed.
If someone has family members who they feel being alone could cause them physical or psychological harm they should contact their Rabbi to discuss ways to stay in touch over Chag.
Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon has suggested that for families who are separated for Chag that they can convene over technology and share a Pre-Pesach Celebration. In the days when the Beis HaMikdash was standing the hour or two before Pesach were when the Jews brought their Korban Pesach in preparation for the Seder that night. When the Jews brought the Korban Pesach the Leviim sang Hallel. The hours right before Pesach were historically part of the celebration of Pesach and we can take advantage of those hours to celebrate together over technology. While we cannot fulfill the Mitzvos of the night before Pesach starts, we can sing songs of Pesach and have families join together in celebration. Wearing Yom Tov clothing, children can virtually ask their parents and grandparents the Ma Nishtana, we can sing together songs of Chag, share Torah, and then turn off the electronics before we light candles and accept Yom Tov to have a full Seder repeating anything we did before. This is not the same as being together for Pesach, but it is a meaningful experience linked with the historical celebration of Pesach.

Davening on Pesach
On the first two nights we should not say Hallel at Maariv even if your regular custom in shul is to say it. The minhag of nusach Sefardi, nusach Ari  and some nusach Sefard is still to say it. You should consult with your Rabbi about your practice.The Hallel in shul on the first two nights of Pesach is meant as Pirsumei Nisa and is not for individuals.
At Shacharis of the first two days of Pesach we will be davening full Hallel with a Bracha, and from Chol Hamoed onwards we will be davening ‘half’ Hallel with a Bracha.
Rabbi Schachter paskined that one does not have to say Tefilas Tal without a minyan, but everyone should say Morid HaTal in their Musaf on the first day of Pesach even if your custom is not to say Morid HaTal throughout the summer. After that first Musaf, beginning with Mincha on the first day of Pesach, those who daven Nusach Ashkenaz can stop saying Morid HaTal.
On the last day of Pesach one may, and should, say the Yizkor piyutim and pledges. One needs to remember that the main part of Yizkor is the commitment to give Tzedakah on behalf of the niftar. One should try to give Tzedakah as soon after Yom Tov as possible. Everyone, even those who are not saying personal Yizkor for relatives, should still be saying the Yizkor prayer for those who perished in the Holocaust and those who lost their lives defending the State of Israel.

The Seder experience is characterized by, “Maschil B’genus Umsayem B’shvach”; we start with troubles and we conclude with praise. This year, unlike any in modern times, we are experiencing the Genus, we pray that we will soon merit refuos and yeshuos so we can gather together with friends and family to sing praise as we did when we left Egypt in those days, in these times. We all remain optimistic that these challenging times will pass soon. We are looking forward to the most memorable Pesach of all our lives. Pesach is about hope and redemption. Free people have hope. Your courage and hope will help all of us get closer to our freedom from fear and despair

With heartfelt blessings for a full redemption,
Rabbi Shalom Axelrod
Rabbi Mordechai Benhaim
Rabbi Hershel Billet
Rabbi Dovid Cohen
Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum
Rabbi Ya’akov Feitman
Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt
Rabbi Kenneth Hain
Rabbi Simcha Hopkowitz
Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz
Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz
Rabbi Avi Miller
Rabbi Uri Orlian
Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff
Rabbi Isaac Rice
Rabbi Zvi Ralbag
Rabbi Shay Schachter
Rabbi Yehuda Septimus
Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum
Rabbi Ya’akov Trump
Rabbi Moshe Weinberger
Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik

April 1, 2020

Legislator Howard Kopel’s Coronavirus Update:

As of today, New York State is reporting that there are 9,554 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nassau County; an increase of 1,010 since yesterday. This number includes residents who have recovered from the virus. 1,312 residents have been hospitalized, with 293 in critical condition. Unfortunately, 76 residents have passed away.

This morning, Governor Cuomo reported that there are 83,712 confirmed cases in New York State. Statewide 12,226 are hospitalized, 3,022 are in critical condition but 6,142 have been discharged from the hospital.

Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein indicated that hospitals are strained, but that there is still a sufficient quantity of hospital beds, critical care beds, and ventilators available to meet the needs of the county at this time.  It is especially important as Easter, Passover, and Ramadan approach to maintain social distancing. Rather than having friends and family over to celebrate, I encourage everyone to use technology like Zoom and Skype to virtually get together.

During this difficult time, our great small businesses have been struggling. Many local restaurants and bars are still serving the public in take-out and delivery capacities. If you can, please help by supporting our local businesses.

I have added a comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources to my legislative website. View them here:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4955/Important-COVID-19-Resources

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and ideas you have with respect to the county or on any particular issue where I may be of assistance.

Sincerely,

March 31, 2020

March 28, 2020

Tuesday March 24, 2020

There are a few key numbers, Woodmere stands out with 30 virus cases, small Lawrence with 11.  That was three days ago.  All the while they carried the virus without symptoms, within the next few days, those they were in contact with can become symptomatic and so on.  These are the people who had themselves tested and who tested positive.  They are many others who are not bothering to get tested, who have it, but not severely enough to warrant care outside the home, so they dont bother getting tested because there is a scarcity of tests and they dont want the risks involved in going outside the home.

STAY AT HOME.  It is the only way to reduce the virus’ spread and reduce our collective time dealing with the virus.

https://www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/chicago-doctors-blunt-speech-about-covid-19-hits-home-across-the-country/2241880/?fbclid=IwAR2AuV0qF9m_OJrJEA4J6jTL7IaUB8X8uxYKqaDwD2yu0ooc6cEfahjRNrQ

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Nassau County has now exceeded Westchester County with the number of Coronavirus cases, about 1,900

Helpful Resources:

The county has established a dedicated number for the coronavirus (516-227-9570). Calls to the number will be answered by a live person from 9 am to 5 pm. New York State has a 24-hour hotline. That number is 1-888-364-3065. Alternatively, you can call the CDC hotline at 800-232-4636.

Friday, March 20, 2020

 

Cedarhurst Village is Here to Help The past couple of weeks have taken a heavy toll.  Our everyday routines have been uprooted and the rapidly changing recommendations have been abrupt and inconsistent.  The emotional and financial impacts have been intense. We want to assure you that the Mayor, Trustees and staff of the Village care deeply, and we are doing everything we can to help our residents, friends and families remain safe and well informed about the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit our community. We have suspended the enforcement of all parking meters and alternate side parking regulations in the Village through March 28th.  However, the Village will continue enforcing other parking regulations, like parking at a fire hydrant, blocking a bus stop or crosswalk, improper use of a handicapped or permit spot, and double parking. The playground in Andrew J. Parise Park will remain closed until further notice.   However, starting tomorrow our Village DPW will begin sanitizing all of the playground equipment.  We want this heavily used amenity to reopen as soon as it is safe.  We will also sanitize the park benches and gazebo railings regularly. The best personal hygiene protection against the disease is to wash your hands often with soap and water for a least 20 seconds. This is the first line of defense to protect you and your family from COVID-19. IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS DIFFICULTY BREATHING, FEVER, AND A SORE THROAT, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR HELP. Do not go to a hospital, urgent care center or doctor’s office. They may not be equipped to help you and you may be spreading the disease to other people.  Call your doctor or the EMERGENCY HOTLINES.  They are able to direct you to a testing location and arrange for testing and care. NEW YORK STATE EMERGENCY HOTLINE (OPEN 24/7)  888-364-3065 NASSAU COUNTY HOTLINE (OPEN 9:00 am to 4:45 pm)  516-227-9570 We extend our sincerest wishes for good health for you and your families.  If you have neighbors who live alone or are at high risk due to age or underlying illnesses, please check on them often.  By helping each other, we are helping ourselves as well. Benjamin Weinstock, Mayor Ari Brown, Deputy Mayor Myrna Zisman, Trustee Israel Wasser, Trustee Daniel Plaut, Trustee

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

FROM THE OFFICE OF NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATOR

HOWARD J. KOPEL

Dear Resident,

Coronavirus Update:

As of today, there are now 139 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Nassau County. One 96 year old Nassau resident has passed away as a result of the virus. I have been in close contact with local and state health officials while monitoring the outbreak.

Over the coming days, Nassau County will begin rapidly deploying Coronavirus testing across the County. As a result of this increased testing, the number of confirmed cases of the disease is likely to increase. This noted increase is not necessarily a cause for alarm due to rapid spreading of the virus, but rather increased awareness of its presence in Nassau.

New York State will open Drive-Thru #Coronavirus Testing Facilities in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, and Rockland County. The Nassau facility will open today. More details on this will follow.

Yesterday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all casinos, gyms, movie theaters, bars and restaurants in the state shut down. The businesses will remain closed until further notice. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued this same order to hinder the spread of the virus.  Essential businesses like supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies will remain open. Restaurants and bars will be closed for dine-in service, but allowed to continue takeout.

As a result of the Governor’s action, we may see many of our small businesses, fall on hard times. If you believe your business will be affected the following guidelines have been put in place to ease the burden of recent events:

· Keep close track of expenses and losses during this period – keep all receipts

· The Small Business Administration disaster assistance program may be able to help. You can reach them at disastercuromerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955

· Nassau County has established a dedicated line of communications for affected businesses that can be reached at SmallBusinessImpact@NAssauCounty.gov so that we can track what businesses are being affected.

Please note that many grocery stores or pharmacies are altering their schedules to accommodate increased demand while adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines. To support those 60 and older, beginning Thursday, March 19th, all Stop & Shop stores will open earlier in order to service only customers who are age 60 and over from 6:00a.m.-7:30a.m. daily.

In Addition to adjusted store hours, the Nassau County Police Department has announced new protocols with regards to filing police reports, which should be done by calling the non-emergency numbers of Precincts.  Further, finger print requests at all Precincts and Headquarters have been suspended until further notice, and pistol license applications for renewals will still continue at this time.

The Centers For Disease Control suggests a number of steps you can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

· Avoiding crowded areas such as social gatherings or mass transportation.

· Wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as cell phones, and doorknobs.

We also understand that the increased tensions during this time may lead to increased anxiety, self-medication, triggers for mental health symptoms and potential challenges to recovery processes.

Resources are available to help you stay healthy physically, mentally AND spiritually with the help of the phone, our devices and online resources. The Long Island Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence operates a 24-hour hotline 631-979-1700 for those struggling with Substance Use, and their family members. LICADD can set up HIPAA compliant secure video sessions to talk to you one-on-one via computer or phone. Many self-help meetings are even available online. 

Residents should be vigilant when receiving telephone solicitations or emails from persons which could be scams or rumors regarding COVID-19. Residents should stay informed by watching and/or listening to affiliated news agencies and logging onto the Nassau County website www.nassaucountyny.gov

In the interest of protecting public health, PSEG Long Island has temporarily suspended shut-offs of electric service to residential customers for non-payment.

Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency staff will still be on site answering inquiries via the call center or by email. If a motorist has a pending license suspension, it means they missed their court date more than 90 days ago. The motorist can pay the amount due online or by phone to have the impending suspension or actual suspension resolved.

Because of the virus, the following county departments will be open to the public during the following times:

Department of Consumer Affairs – 10AM to 2 PM

Treasurer –10AM to 2PM

Office of Housing – 9AM to 12PM

Assessment Review Commission – 9AM to 12PM

If you wish to learn more about Nassau’s readiness to combat this deadly disease, the county has established a dedicated hotline for the coronavirus which will be answered by a live person from 9 am to 5 pm. That number is 516-227-9570. New York State also has a 24-hour hotline. That number is 1-888-364-3065. Alternatively, you can call the CDC hotline at 800-232-4636.

You can also learn more about the disease through the CDC website and the New York State Health Department.

Rather than visiting county offices, please consider using the numbers below:

Assessment Review Commission 571-3214 9AM to 12PM

Board of Elections 516-571-2411

Consumer Affairs 516-571-2600 10AM to 2 PM

County Assessor Office 516-571-1500

County Clerk 516-571-2664

County Executive 516-571-3131

County Treasurer 516-571-2090 10AM to 2PM

District Attorney 516-571-3800

Fire Marshal 516-573-9900

Health Department 516-227-9697

Jury Duty (Commissioner of Jurors) 800-449-2819

Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities 516-227-7057

Nassau Community College 516-572-7500

Office of Aging 516-227-8900

Office of Housing 516-572-1900 9AM to 12PM

Parking & Traffic Violations Agency 516-572-2700

Parks, Recreation & Museums 516-572-0200

Physically Challenged, Office for the

(Handicapped Parking Permits) 516-227-7399

Poison Control 800-222-1222

Police Department 516-573-8800

Public Works 516-571-6900

Social Services 516-227-8519

Veterans’ Services 516-572-6565

Youth Services 516-227-7134

I understand that recent events can be frightening, but I and my colleagues in every level of the government are monitoring this outbreak 24 hours a day, and will be doing everything in our power to keep you and your family safe, healthy, and well-informed during these trying times.   If you have any questions or comments at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

We will continue to provide further updates as we receive more information.

Sincerely,

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE

Metered Parking Enforcement Suspended In response to the Coronavirus, please be advised that the enforcement of all on-street metered parking and metered parking in all Village parking fields is suspended until further notice. Please note that all other violations will be enforced. Please stay safe. Alex H. Edelman Mayor

Many local Roshei Yeshivos and Rabbonim have been discussing myriad aspects of the current situation at length over the last few days. In consultation with Gedolei Yisroel in the U.S. (Rav Dovid Feinstein shlit”a; Rav Shmuel Kaminetzky shlit”a; Rav Feivel Cohen shlit”a, and others), as well as with several prominent and reputable doctors and infectious disease experts, we have arrived at the following guidelines. Please note that the following represents our guidance and recommendations at the present time; we will be discussing the pertinent issues on a regular basis thereafter. We are being updated constantly, and our hadracha and recommendations will reflect the new information after it is scrutinized and thoroughly reviewed. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT POINTS: 1) At the present time, we strongly advise that ALL LOCAL SHULS, YESHIVOS, AND SCHOOLS (including playgroups) REMAIN CLOSED. As you can well imagine, we write this with an extremely heavy and broken heart, and it is a decision that we have carefully weighed and analyzed for some time. In light of the current situation- a significant number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the general community thus far r”l, along with MANY individuals awaiting test results- it is a decision reached together with Gedolei HaPoskim, and one that the community must abide by to help stem the current outbreak and save countless lives. For the sake of pikuach nefashos, it is the right decision to be implemented at the current time and is effective immediately. Rav Dovid Feinstein shlit”a- and other Gedolei HaPoskim- have made it very clear that, once the majority of Batei Knei’siyos and Batei Medrashos in a given neighborhood have closed their doors (due to the level of danger determined by the medical experts and professionals in that neighborhood), then ALL other Mosdos HaTorah v’HaTefilla in that neighborhood must close due to “al tifrosh min ha’tzibbur.” 2)  Rabbanim are repeatedly being asked regarding Minyanim OUTDOORS (with all safeguards fully in place to ensure minimal risk). Based on our discussion with multiple and diverse experienced doctors and specialists, many Rabbanim have strongly recommended against entering any situation in which contagion could potentially occur; many Poskim (including Rav Shlomo Miller shlit”a) have stated that those who have this concern are not obligated in Tefilla B’Tizbbur under the circumstances. (If one needs to recite Kaddish, please be in touch with your Rav who will gladly assist in making the necessary arrangements for Kaddish to be said via other means.) We have contacted Rav Dovid Feinstein shlit”a who paskened that those individuals who choose to daven in a minyan outdoors may continue to do so (at the current time), but only if they strictly adhere to the following guidelines: the minyan is relatively small (ideally no more than 15); each attendee must keep a distance of at least 6ft. from the next person; absolutely no one feeling even slightly ill or exhibiting any cold-like symptoms may join; no one who has been in the company of a confirmed case or one who has recently been tested may join; the elderly and immunocompromised individuals must remain at home. 3) The Men’s Mikvah is to currently remain closed. Regarding the Women’s Mikvah, please consult your respective Rav for clear instructions and proper guidelines concerning the preparation for, and the use of, the local Mikva’os. 4) ALL LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND EATING ESTABLISHMENTS ARE CLOSED FOR IN-HOUSE SEATING for the time being. TAKE-OUT FOOD MAY CONTINUE, but customers shall exercise utmost caution in ensuring that only one or two people walk inside for pick-up at a given time. If you see several individuals in an eatery for pick-up of a take-out order, please use your seichel and be patient until others first clear out. 5) ALL LOCAL GYMS (for both men and women) SHALL REMAIN CLOSED AT THE CURRENT TIME. 6) SIMCHAS, CHASUNAHS, etc.: While we strongly recommend that certain simchas be either postponed or greatly diminished (in both size and number), we leave the final decision to the discretion of the ba’alei simcha in conjunction with their respective Rav. Naturally, all must be fully in line with the updated guidelines and parameters set forth by the local and state authorities; any violation thereof involves a likely chillul Hashem as well r”l. WE ASK THAT YOU ALL CONTINUE TO DAVEN… Let us together as a Tzibbur increase our kavanah in all our Tefillos, and daven sincerely and with enhanced devotion and intensity, for all those in need to merit a refuah shi’leima bi’karov, and may we all share only besuros tovos in the days and weeks ahead IY”H. EIN OD MILVADO! CHAZAK V’EMATZ in your Emunah U’Bitachon, and let us do our necessary hishtadlus while relying on the ultimate protection of the true “Shomer Yisroel” Who will bring us the full yeshua bi’karov mamash! Yehi Ratzon that we continue to learn and daven as best as possible, and be zocheh to Rachamei Shamayim merubim to all stay hale, healthy, and strong, and greet together Mashiach Tzidkeinu BB”A! With boundless love, deep-felt care, and profound concern for each and every member of this truly special community, Bi’birchas Kol Tuv tamid mei’omek li’beinu, Your local Roshei Yeshivos and Rabbonim

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

 Sunday, March 15, 2020

FROM ACHIEZER

FROM LOCAL RABBIS Dear Community Members, We are sharing with you a set of directives which we think is in everyone’s best interest. Some of these ideas may seem harsh. But the Coronavirus is much harsher. We are trying to prevent it from spiraling out of control in our community. Our interest is your interest. We have consulted with responsible physicians who also understand the reality of an Orthodox Jewish Community. We look forward to the time when Hashem will nullify this decree and bring a cure to all those who suffer. Minyanim outside in the streets/House minyanim Our members should not be having minyanim in their homes, on their blocks, or outside. We should be davening alone in our own homes. This is based on explicit medical and Halachic guidance. We should try to daven together even while we are davening alone: There is a preference for people to daven Shacharis Shemona Esrei at Sunrise (e.g. March 15th 7:05am). If that is not practical, we recommend davening at the time that our regular minyanim would have met so that we can be davening with some sort of unity. We recommend Mincha being said at 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM or at 10 minutes before shkiah. Again, the goal here is that we can daven together even while we are davening alone. Maariv should be said either after shkiah, or at 8:00PM, 9:00PM, or 10:00PM. Aveilim/Yahrtzeit Anyone who is an Avel saying Kaddish or who is observing a Yahrtzeit should not be going to find a minyan. Instead, it is best to find someone who is in a safe area which still has minyanim to say Kaddish on your behalf. As a community service, Congregation Beth Joseph in Greater Phoenix is offering a Kaddish service at http://www.phoenixbethjoseph.org/?page_id=387 ; In observance of the yahrtzeit, light a candle, recite a Kel Maleh Rachamim, say Tehillim 16 and learn Mishnayos. Changes to Tefilla We should all add Avinu Malkeinu at both Shachris and Mincha from now until further notice. It should not be added on Friday afternoons or on a day when Tachanun is not said. Shabbos/Pesach/Simcha Preparations As social distancing continues, we should plan to have our Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Seder meals alone with our families. We should not be inviting guests. Smachos, when necessary, should be limited to the minimum number of guests following these guidelines: Weddings should be limited to immediate family (only siblings of the Chassan and Kallah), with additional people to comprise an exact Minyan if needed, two acceptable witnesses, and one Rabbi to be Mesader Kiddushin. The Kiddushin should be done outdoors, weather permitting, and a festive meal can be made at a later point in time.  We recommend that elderly grandparents should not be at the wedding. Sheva Brachos: Sheva Brachos should not be taking place at all. Shalom Zachor: Shalom Zachors should not be taking place at all. Bris: A Bris should be made in the house with only the immediate family living in that house present. Additional guests should not be invited to the Bris. If desired, technology can be used for others to join virtually. Naming Girls: Girls may be named privately; please reach out to your Rabbi for the nusach that should be used to do this properly. After naming a girl, the baby’s name should be publicized using electronic communications. Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations should not take place at this point. For a Bar Mitzvah boy who prepared for a whole year there are a couple of options dependent on each Rav. There may be options for making up the Krias HaTorah at a future date when the epidemic passes and for making a celebratory party then as well. Alternatively it may be allowed with a small minyan of only immediate family for the Krias HaTorah, outdoors weather permitting, and the party will be at a later date. Funerals: Funerals should only be graveside with only immediate family and an exact Minyan. Shul emails will not be announcing the burial before the burial. If the family does not comprise a minyan, please contact your Rabbi to help facilitate a minyan at the graveside. Shiva: Shiva visits should be made by phone and video and should not be made in person. Disclaimer. Even when family members are included, elderly people and those who are most vulnerable should not be present as part of the Minyan or Simcha. This includes: Chronic or recent lung or heart disease, diabetes, a pregnant woman, a person with an auto-immune disease, a person taking any drug which impacts your immune system (please consult with your doctor), a person with cancer, whether in treatment or not. Guidelines for seeking medical care for people with respiratory symptoms: People without any symptoms who have been exposed to a COVID-19 patient should not at this time seek medical attention or try and get tested. They should self quarantine. Call your doctor if you start to have symptoms (increased congestion, coughing or fevers). Seek emergency medical treatment if you have difficulty breathing, but please do not go to the emergency room if you do not need emergency care. Call ahead if possible and advise health care workers of possible exposure to COVID-19. Ask for a facemask as you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive. Where to get a COVID-19 test? Enter your zip code to find out the nearest COVID-19 test site. (from US HRSA.gov website) https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ 1. Go to clinics instead of crowded large facilities. (Testing and Treatments are free.) Work/Socialization/Children’s Playdates We recommend no socializing at this point. This includes children’s playdates. One may play in the yard and go for a run but it should not be with friends or with children of friends. We encourage people to go outside, but to stay distanced from other people even when outdoors. We are strongly recommending that people work from home. Any social interaction that can be avoided should be avoided. Visits even among families should also be limited. Communication with parents and grandparents who are not living in your home should be virtual whenever possible. Restaurants Our members should only order out from restaurants, noting that eating in the confined spaces of restaurants can lead to greater transmission. Supermarkets Only one person per household should go to the Supermarket. Children should not come to the store and people should not be socializing while in the store. We are not expecting any food shortages and we encourage people not to panic buy. We are working with the supermarkets to see if there are possibilities to expand hours, have Purell available at the entrance and exit, and ensure that customers will all be able to do their Pesach shopping. Caring for homebound individuals (food, medicine etc) Each Shul will be working to collect information about members who are homebound and gather volunteers who can pick up food, medicine, etc. for them. Once we have gathered this information and have a better understanding of what the needs are, we can organize together to best deliver the services. Support for Children and Adults Please note at these trying times that there are services available to those in need. OHEL has created a special email address just for this issue. CopingwithCOVID19@ohelfamily.org In addition, Achiezer is preparing staff to help parents deal with anxiety in children. They will also be offering services for those who need help getting food. They will also have medical professionals available. Their hotline will be manned 24/7 (516-791-4444). The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC Food Pantry S.H.O.P. will remain open for those in need. For elderly in need of help, please reach out to Stacey at stacey.feldman@guraljcc.org  Other services will be available to those in need shortly. We pray that these measures will only have to be short-lived and that we will soon merit salvation. As we head towards the month of Nissan, we pray that Hashem bring us to future Holidays and Festivals in peace, happy in the rebuilding of Yerushalayim, and joyous in the service of Hashem. Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Hershel Billet, Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Dovid Cohen, Ohr Torah Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum, Irving Place Minyan Rabbi Yaakov Feitman, Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginzberg, Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Kenneth Hain, Congregation Beth Sholom Rabbi Simcha Hopkowitz, Young Israel of Hewlett RabbI Yudi Jeger, Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Congregation Anshei Chesed Rabbi Avi Miller, Congregation Beth Sholom Rabbi Jonathan Muskat, Young Israel of Oceanside Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff, Bais Tefillah of Woodmere Rabbi Isaac Rice, Congregation Anshei Chesed Rabbi Shay Schachter, Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Yehuda Septimus, Young Israel of North Woodmere Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst Rabbi Ya’akov Trump, Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst Rabbi Akiva Willig, Beis Medrash of Woodmere Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf, Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Kehilla Ateres Yaakov

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Friday, March 13, 2020

FAR ROCKAWAY SCHOOLS AND SHULS CLOSED

HALB and HAFTR closed on Friday and Monday.  HANC closed until further notice.  Darchei closed Sunday and Monday, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov closed on Sunday.

MANY FIVE TOWN RABBIS and BERGEN COUNTY RABBIS Closing Synagogues Peremptorily In Hopes of Staving Off or Slowing Down the Onset of Coronavirus in Our Community

Thursday, March 12

HANC Closed.

jta.org

Wednesday, March 11

9:30 p.m. Drastic new U.S. travel restrictions: President Donald Trump announced tonight that all travel from Europe to the United States (except from the United Kingdom) would be suspended for 30 days. The announcement came in a speech that marked a sharp departure in tone for the president, who up to now has downplayed the coronavirus risk.

The U.S. restrictions come days after Israel announced quarantine requirements for all travelers coming from overseas. Today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended the country’s response by barring large gatherings.

8:45 p.m. Another AIPAC case, this time in Maryland:FOX Baltimore is reporting the diagnosis of a Maryland man in his 60’s who worked at last week’s AIPAC conference, where 18,000 Israel supporters gathered in Washington, D.C. He is at least the sixth conference attendee to be diagnosed with the coronavirus.

5:30 p.m. Updated closure report: Closures and cancellations are hardly news at this point, except for the many people and organizations facing disruption. Among the latest closures we’ve heard about: Manhattan Day School, where a parent has been diagnosed; Hannah Senesh Community Day School in Brooklyn, where teachers will spend Friday shoring up their remote practices in preparation for potential long-term closure in the future; and all 12 day schools in New Jersey’s Bergen County.

3:46 p.m. They’re leaving Israel in droves: Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority announces that from Tuesday to Wednesday morning 10,827 foreign visitors have “voluntarily” left the country, raising the total to 197,066 in the past two weeks. Some 11,924 who have left are from the United States. Another 3,714 returned to Germany and 3,260 to France. In the same time period, 8,934 Israelis have returned to the country,increasing the number of returnees over the past two weeks to 235,012.

1:48 p.m. Israeli limits gatherings to 100 people: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a ban on gatherings of over 100 people in closed spaces at a news conference on Wednesday evening. During the same update, Moshe Bar Siman-Tov, director-general of the Health Ministry, announced that schools will continue operating as usual. The start of the second semester of universities could be delayed, or distance learning instituted, however.

9 a.m. Today in day school closures: More schools in the New York City area have shut down, as well as at least one school in Los Angeles. They join a growing list of public and private schools around the world that are shuttered because of the virus, in one of the most widespread interruptions of schooling in recent history.

Two of the first New York City-area day schools to close, SAR and Frisch, have had their closures extended — to March 25 for SAR and March 16 for Frisch. SAR students are scheduled to come out of quarantine March 16.

8:30 a.m. A new message from the first New Rochelle patient’s wife: In a message posted Monday on Facebook, Adina Garbuz, the wife of the New Rochelle lawyer at the center of the outbreak there, says she is hopeful about her husband’s condition and about society’s ability to get through this moment.

“Lawrence and I often discuss that when something that seems like the worst thing in the world happens to us, it always ends up, ironically, being the best thing that happened to us. I am not there yet in this instance, I will wait for his recovery to truly feel that but in my heart of hearts, I think that will prove to be true,” she wrote. “This episode has brought out so much love and kindness around me personally and for the community at large. People have been so compassionate and full of good blessings and prayers. So I focus on that wonderful show of humanity. We should all focus on that.”

8 a.m. Closures extend to Australia: Melbourne’s Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges is shut down today after a staff member who traveled from Los Angeles on Friday tested positive for the coronavirus.

Principal Shimon Waronker, who arrived at the school last year after running public and Jewish schools in New York City, told families that the school was working with health authorities on “mapping the potential spread of the virus within the school” and would contact people who might have been exposed.

Tuesday, March 10

8 p.m. JCC in Manhattan among the latest closures: The Jewish Community Center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is shutting for two days after it became clear that a child with the coronavirus attended an event there on Saturday night.

3 AT AIPAC CONFERENCE TEST POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

Since the AIPAC attendees were asymptomatice when they attended, the D.C. Department of Health feels there is no threat to fellow attendees.  Two are from New York

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY closes undergraduate classes for the week of March 6th, joining Yeshiva University who continued their undergraduate school closing from last week after a student tested positive for the coronavirus.