It is abundantly clear that the we are racing against the clock to stave off the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. Epidemiologists have classified this virus proliferation as a health crisis that hitherto we have never encountered. Because the COVAD-19 is infecting a staggering amount of people in the US and across the globe, its formidable and deleterious effects cannot be underestimated.
In order to protect ourselves, our families and our communities, we must follow the guidance of leading infectious disease specialists who have offered essential information about this epidemic.
The following measures must be implemented immediately, lest we unwittingly invite more tragedy into our midst.
o 1) We must transition all schools to online and video classes immediately. Some may consider this move to be premature and wish to wait to see more cases of disease. However, leading epidemiologist Dr. Jay Schnitzer and prominent voices in his profession have unequivocally stated that this is an erroneous notion and is not supported by prior experience. We must close the schools before a larger outbreak occurs. This means all schools, from daycare centers, public schools, private schools, yeshivas and parochial schools as well as all colleges, universities and vocational schools.
Some may ask why we need to close the schools if young people are not as affected by this virus. The answer is that schools are one of the key routes that viruses cross-infect a community such as ours. The students then infect adults and the elderly at home, synagogue and other locations. We must think of the needs of our multi-generational community.
2) All businesses and places of employment should encourage their staff to telecommute from home. Thus far, leading companies who are concerned about the health and well being of their employees and their families have courageously led the way in this regard.
3) Avoiding public conferences and large gatherings is absolutely imperative. This includes simchas such as engagement parties, weddings, bar mitzvas and the like. We would never, ever want to be responsible for a tragedy to occur to a loved one and that includes every person in or community. Conferences can be conducted via video or through live streaming.
Let us all work together as a community to fight this threat and overcome. B’ezrat Hashem we will come through this strengthened in our commitment to each other and our values.
