'Fear and Frustration Rise as Virus Spikes in Jewish Enclaves' diff viewer (9/10)

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Fear and Frustration Rise as Virus Spikes in Jewish Enclaves	Fear and Frustration Rise as Virus Spikes in Jewish Enclaves
2020-06-17 02:14:46 UTC	2020-06-17 15:29:36 UTC (about 13 hours later)
About 25 miles northwest of New York City, local authorities have been waging a losing battle to curb the coronavirus outbreak: Rockland County has the highest per capita rate of infection in the state, and among the highest in the nation.	About 25 miles northwest of New York City, local authorities have been waging a losing battle to curb the coronavirus outbreak: Rockland County has the highest per capita rate of infection in the state, and among the highest in the nation.
The source of the problem lies in small pockets of the county that are home to a large number of Orthodox Jewish residents, some of whom, according to authorities, have refused to adhere to social distancing requirements.	The source of the problem lies in small pockets of the county that are home to a large number of Orthodox Jewish residents, some of whom, according to authorities, have refused to adhere to social distancing requirements.
Spring Valley and Monsey — two adjacent communities with large Orthodox Jewish populations — each have more than 1,000 confirmed cases, accounting for more than a third of the county’s entire caseload, according to statistics compiled by the county health department.	Spring Valley and Monsey — two adjacent communities with large Orthodox Jewish populations — each have more than 1,000 confirmed cases, accounting for more than a third of the county’s entire caseload, according to statistics compiled by the county health department.
With Passover beginning Wednesday, county officials are increasingly worried that the disease could spread among large Orthodox families, leading to a spike in cases similar to the one seen last year during a measles outbreak.	With Passover beginning Wednesday, county officials are increasingly worried that the disease could spread among large Orthodox families, leading to a spike in cases similar to the one seen last year during a measles outbreak.
“Here’s the thing: A 30 percent spike in cases in coronavirus is going to mean dead people,” said Ed Day, the Republican county executive, who called noncompliance in some communities “maddening” to officials and residents. “This is not the measles, where at least you had immunization.”	“Here’s the thing: A 30 percent spike in cases in coronavirus is going to mean dead people,” said Ed Day, the Republican county executive, who called noncompliance in some communities “maddening” to officials and residents. “This is not the measles, where at least you had immunization.”
Like the measles, however, the concerns over coronavirus and its connection to Jewish communities have led to worries about anti-Semitism; the spread of measles in New York State was partially ascribed to low rates of vaccination in some Jewish enclaves.	Like the measles, however, the concerns over coronavirus and its connection to Jewish communities have led to worries about anti-Semitism; the spread of measles in New York State was partially ascribed to low rates of vaccination in some Jewish enclaves.
These clashes between secular concerns and religious rights and traditions are a point of constant cultural sensitivity in Rockland, particularly in light of past incidents, including a late December attack at the home of an Orthodox rabbi by a machete-wielding assailant.	These clashes between secular concerns and religious rights and traditions are a point of constant cultural sensitivity in Rockland, particularly in light of past incidents, including a late December attack at the home of an Orthodox rabbi by a machete-wielding assailant.
One of the victims of that attack, Josef Neumann, died in late March. His funeral in Spring Valley, N.Y., was well attended, despite warnings against such gatherings because of the coronavirus.	One of the victims of that attack, Josef Neumann, died in late March. His funeral in Spring Valley, N.Y., was well attended, despite warnings against such gatherings because of the coronavirus.
“By going to these funerals and being in close proximity to one another,” Mr. Day said, “they are going to condemn another person to go into the ground.”	“By going to these funerals and being in close proximity to one another,” Mr. Day said, “they are going to condemn another person to go into the ground.”
Aron Wieder, a Rockland County legislator who is Orthodox Jewish, acknowledged that there have been a handful of large funerals in Rockland for Orthodox decedents, but he said most funerals were being attended by only a few people. “It was basically the folks that had to bury the body,” he said.	Aron Wieder, a Rockland County legislator who is Orthodox Jewish, acknowledged that there have been a handful of large funerals in Rockland for Orthodox decedents, but he said most funerals were being attended by only a few people. “It was basically the folks that had to bury the body,” he said.
Mr. Weider said that reports of noncompliance by Jewish residents in Rockland were being overstated and accused Mr. Day of fomenting anti-Semitism by focusing on bad behavior from the “less than 1 percent.”	Mr. Weider said that reports of noncompliance by Jewish residents in Rockland were being overstated and accused Mr. Day of fomenting anti-Semitism by focusing on bad behavior from the “less than 1 percent.”
“The overwhelming majority of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews are doing everything right,” Mr. Weider said in an interview on Tuesday, saying social distancing is being practiced in public spaces like grocery stores.	“The overwhelming majority of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews are doing everything right,” Mr. Weider said in an interview on Tuesday, saying social distancing is being practiced in public spaces like grocery stores.
County officials, however, said on Tuesday that they have had dozens of complaints on various type of gatherings since mid-March, including 48 in Ramapo alone.	County officials, however, said on Tuesday that they have had dozens of complaints on various type of gatherings since mid-March, including 48 in Ramapo alone.
As recently as Monday, a funeral for a popular local rabbi attracted masses of people to a main street in Monsey; county officials had previously cited Jewish schools in Monsey and nearby Airmont for remaining open beyond a mandatory closing date.	As recently as Monday, a funeral for a popular local rabbi attracted masses of people to a main street in Monsey; county officials had previously cited Jewish schools in Monsey and nearby Airmont for remaining open beyond a mandatory closing date.
The overall rate of coronavirus infection in Rockland County is now about 1.85 cases per 100 people, with the state reporting 6,413 confirmed cases as of Wednesday. One hundred seven people from Rockland have died, according to state statistics.	The overall rate of coronavirus infection in Rockland County is now about 1.85 cases per 100 people, with the state reporting 6,413 confirmed cases as of Wednesday. One hundred seven people from Rockland have died, according to state statistics.
“You know what the ultimate act of anti-Semitism is?” Mr. Day said. “It would be allowing Jewish people to die.”	“You know what the ultimate act of anti-Semitism is?” Mr. Day said. “It would be allowing Jewish people to die.”
Last week, Mr. Day called for a “containment zone” within the town of Ramapo, similar to the one the governor ordered in New Rochelle, N.Y., before the virus had spread to rest of the state. State officials rebuffed such a request, saying that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s statewide “on pause” order, announced March 20, had effectively implemented even more stringent rules than those enacted in New Rochelle.	Last week, Mr. Day called for a “containment zone” within the town of Ramapo, similar to the one the governor ordered in New Rochelle, N.Y., before the virus had spread to rest of the state. State officials rebuffed such a request, saying that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s statewide “on pause” order, announced March 20, had effectively implemented even more stringent rules than those enacted in New Rochelle.
On Monday, Mr. Cuomo said it was up to local governments to stop people from congregating.	On Monday, Mr. Cuomo said it was up to local governments to stop people from congregating.
“Enforce the rule,” Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, said on Monday during his daily coronavirus briefing. “I don’t care if you’re Orthodox Jewish, Catholic, Christian, Muslim, I don’t care what. It’s not about religious observation.”	“Enforce the rule,” Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, said on Monday during his daily coronavirus briefing. “I don’t care if you’re Orthodox Jewish, Catholic, Christian, Muslim, I don’t care what. It’s not about religious observation.”
Speaking just after he had extended prohibitions on such gatherings statewide and doubled fines for violations, Mr. Cuomo called such behavior “reckless and irresponsible,” and scolded mourners for planning and attending such events.	Speaking just after he had extended prohibitions on such gatherings statewide and doubled fines for violations, Mr. Cuomo called such behavior “reckless and irresponsible,” and scolded mourners for planning and attending such events.
“Now is not the time to go to a funeral with 200 people,” he said. He reiterated those remarks on Tuesday, noting the situation in New Rochelle, where a number of people were sickened after attending a bat mitzvah celebration. “We’ve paid this price already,” he said. “We’ve learned this lesson.”	“Now is not the time to go to a funeral with 200 people,” he said. He reiterated those remarks on Tuesday, noting the situation in New Rochelle, where a number of people were sickened after attending a bat mitzvah celebration. “We’ve paid this price already,” he said. “We’ve learned this lesson.”
Similar concerns about mass gatherings have been raised by officials in neighboring Orange County as well as in Brooklyn, which had reports of a heavily attended Orthodox funeral last weekend.	Similar concerns about mass gatherings have been raised by officials in neighboring Orange County as well as in Brooklyn, which had reports of a heavily attended Orthodox funeral last weekend.
Updated June 16, 2020	Updated June 16, 2020
	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.	Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.	The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But the community uproar seems particularly acute in Rockland, where residents have flooded social media platforms and media tip lines with accounts of seeming disregard of mass gathering bans.	But the community uproar seems particularly acute in Rockland, where residents have flooded social media platforms and media tip lines with accounts of seeming disregard of mass gathering bans.