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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 15 March 2020

Are you quarantined, feeling sick or afraid to go out? If so, your neighbors would like to help. We have received inquiries from people in Scarsdale who are willing to do errands or make a delivery for those in need.

If you need a favor, go to the site's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Scarsdale10583/

Scroll down to our post about requesting help - and post your name, email address and phone number and a description of what you would like to be done.

If you would like to help by doing errands, you can also post your name and phone number or email address so that others know they can reach out to you.

When a task is completed, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com so we can remove your post.

Also – if you have comments or questions, feel free to email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.

Check in with the Elderly

Also, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service’s Aging in Place Initiative would like to remind all residents to please be mindful of your elderly neighbors and friends during this period of time surrounding COVID-19.

The elderly are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of their age or because of underlying health problems. It is extra important for the elderly to take actions to reduce their risk of contracting the virus and therefore they have been encouraged to avoid public settings.

Please consider simple gestures like calling to check in with your elderly neighbors and possibly assisting with groceries. These acts are particularly meaningful and necessary during this uncertain time.

Guidelines for COVID-19 care and prevention are outlined on reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Westchester County. www.cdc.gov and www.westchestergov.com.

For additional information, the New York State Health Department Hotline 1-888-364-3065 offers experts on hand to answer questions relating to COVID-19.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 18 March 2020

Dear Friends: We hope this note finds you well and safe during this strange and unsettling time. As we are all aware, we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to our dedicated healthcare workers, many of whom are our friends and neighbors and will be working around the clock on the frontlines of this crisis. Many will not be able to see loved ones and children for long periods of time due to risk of exposure.

We have coordinated with White Plains Hospital administration and found a suitable way to thank our health care professionals for their service and tremendous sacrifice. We are organizing meals to be delivered to the emergency room doctors, nurses and staff at White Plains Hospital throughout the coming weeks. We will order from local restaurants which, no doubt, will also be challenged during this difficult time. The hospital and emergency department are appreciative of this outpouring of support.

White Plains Hospital will be accepting donations for this purpose. You can contribute by following this link. All donations are tax-deductible. Should restaurants be forced to close in the coming days, your donation will be rolled into a general donation fund to the hospital.

Thank you for your support. We hope you and your families stay healthy.

Warmly,

Rachel Krisbergh, Jennifer Galeon, and Dara Gruenberg

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 12 March 2020

What’s it like to be quarantined inside New Rochelle’s containment area? This week Governor Cuomo made an unprecedented announcement, ordering a circle with a one- mile radius had been designated a “containment area” and that the National Guard would come in to distribute food and clean and sanitize.

Cuomo was following the advice of State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker who recommended this step to stem the spread of the virus after cases jumped up by 10 in just one day. We spoke to a member of Young Israel Synagogue where the original outbreak occurred. She shared news about her congregation of 800 people and explained how members are dealing with the outbreak and the aftermath.

Lisa Bernstein of New Rochelle was surprisingly open as she explained how her community was quickly overtaken by the virus, and what has occurred in the weeks since that time. In a community that is accustomed to praying, eating, celebrating and mourning together, the Coronavirus has struck very hard. Their synagogue was suddenly shuttered and temple members were prohibited from meeting, praying together or gathering in any way.

But putting aside the social isolation, many have tested positive with the virus. Of the over 800 congregants, Bernstein said the majority are quarantined, with many infected and asymptomatic. Of those who have symptoms, she says most have been managing at home. Sadly a few have been hospitalized.

No one know where Lawrence Garbuz, the first to test positive in the synagogue, contracted the virus. He was present in the synagogue during the weekend of February 22 before there was general awareness about the virus. By the following weekend, Garbuz and several others had contracted the virus and unknowingly attended services again. Garbuz remains in the hospital.

Bernstein herself was out of town during the weekend of February 29-March 1. However, when she returned she was exposed to a friend who tested positive. Bernstein has no symptoms and has been unable to obtain a test so she and her husband are self-quarantined for the 14 days.

As it has been difficult to get tested we asked Bernstein how the testing occurred. She explained that the Department of Health has come to the homes of people who met the criteria for testing. They appeared in hazmat suits. However the results have been slow in coming back, with some waiting five days to find out if they have the virus. Bernstein says that the reason the numbers look so dramatic is that unlike other populations, this group is getting tested. She guesses that if other groups were tested, they might find that the infection rate is equally as high.

Are people complying with the quarantine? Bernstein said that yes, absolutely. People are taking the instructions very seriously and following the instructions from the Department of Health. Markets like Seasons and other kosher food purveyors have been very generous and are delivering food for free. Friends are reaching out and the community is very grateful that food has not been a problem.

When will they be able to return to their usual routine? Bernstein says it’s unclear. Will those who are infected need to be cleared to go out? Those directives have not yet been established and she is not aware of the protocol.

Despite this huge disruption in her life, Bernstein was calm and reflective. She said the congregation shared a virtual Purim celebration this past weekend and she is in touch with family and friends online and via text. She is doing some work from home and feels fortunate that she can use the internet and phone to stay connected.

Most of all she is grateful that neither she nor her husband are sick for now. She says, “If you have your health you have everything. I am keeping my eye on the prize …. summer and no virus!”