‘Test and isolate’

CONCERNED over the prevalence of COVID within the Jewish community, the Australasian Jewish Medical Federation (AJMF) has reinforced its message to members to act immediately if they experience any possible symptoms.

The call came after a prominent Orthodox GP urged people to test and isolate if they have “a cold, cough or fever”.

Noting they “probably have COVID,” he added, “I am concerned that there are those with symptoms, and their close contacts, who are attending shules, schools and mikvahs. I strongly beg those people and their families to test and isolate. As difficult as it might be, please show some ahavas Yisroel [support for others in the community].”

The GP emphasised that doing nothing when one experiences symptoms creates “mortal danger”.

His plea came after recent reports of people violating Department of Health and Human Services advice.

A post on social media late last month alleged two residents of the poster’s apartment block were “COVID-positive” but, refusing to isolate, were sitting in a common garden area without masks on and chatting to passers-by and other residents.

Meanwhile, stressing he is “aware of the rising number of COVID cases in Melbourne, and in particular, the number of active cases in the Jewish community,” Roy Steinman, principal of Sydney’s Kesser Torah College, announced this week that anyone who had visited Melbourne or who was a close contact of anyone who had been to Melbourne should stay away from the school for three days, and not return until they’d had a COVID test.

AJMF Victorian president Dr Jack Green told The AJN, “We are all relieved with our freedoms returning to us as our vaccination rates increase. We are now at 80 per cent and when we reach 90 per cent, many more restrictions will be eased. But let’s not fall into the trap of complacency just because we’re vaccinated.

“Sure, vaccination significantly reduces the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and the chance of requiring hospitalisation. It also reduces the chance of transmitting this virus, but it does not eliminate this possibility.”

Green urged people to adhere to indoor mask wearing, and for those experiencing symptoms that could be COVID to get tested.

He added, “Isolate until you’re in the clear. Remember that there are still members of our community who are not vaccinated, but hopefully this number is dwindling.”