Hatzolah Warns of ‘Dramatic Rise’ in Covid in New York

Boro Park - With COVID spiking in the frum community, Chevra Hatzolah issued a stark warning to residents to take it seriously and not hesitate to go to the hospital, despite the bad rap it got during the first wave.

“Over the last few weeks,” Hatzolah said in a letter, “we have seen a steady and dramatic rise in Covid-19 cases in our community, with a recent alarming increase in severity and hospitalizations — including ICU admissions. We must all do our part today to help control the spread of this potentially deadly virus!”

It urged people to stay six feet apart — and if that were not possible to wear a mask, including by covering the mouth and nose. Large gatherings of any kind must be avoided and people who are not feeling well should stay home.

Referring to the reputation some medical centers got during the first Covid wave in March, Hatzolah said that people should not hesitate to go to hospitals now if they feel unwell. There are some advanced therapies being used now, for example Remdesivir, Convalescent Plasma and steroids, that may not have been available during the initial outbreak. Some of these treatments are proven to be more effective if given early in the course of the disease. 

“While we understand the hesitancy to go to the hospital for Covid-19,” they wrote, “it is important to realize that there have been many changes in the hospital system since the initial outbreak. With the advanced therapies that are now available, it is important that if you are ill, you consult your doctor for guidance. In the event of an emergency, call Hatzalah.”