Abba
“Yet when there is merely a fear that someone will get sick we close our shuls and schools? ”
No that isnt the fear.
This was explained on another thread :
The fear is of overwhelming the healthcare system .
If the virus spreads unchecked lets say half the people in NYC get it. (one of the lower estimates)
There are 8 million people, that means 4 million people get it.
Of those the vast majority (80%) don’t even realize they have it or have very mild symptoms.
That means 800,000 people (20% of 4 million) get fairly sick . Lets say a 10th (a low estimate) of them are very sick and need hospitalization.
that’s 80,000 people .
There are about 50,000 hospital beds in NYC (and many of those are obviously being used by those already there or who have other acute conditions unrelated to Corona, Heart attacks, strokes infections etc)
THAT is the problem.
Not to mention that Of those who get very sick from corono-virus many need ICUs or vent. There are about 3,200 ICU beds and 5,000 vents in the city . IF 80,000 people show up w/ respiratory issues many needing vents and there are 5000 vents (many already being used) hopefully you see the catastrophe.
Since then YWN reported that cumoo said there are 600 available ICU beds in NY STATE !
The key is to slow the spread yes half the city might still get it, but not at once, spread out over time Most will be asymptomatic or close to it. but the reality few who get very sick will have beds, vents, not to mention doctors to take care of them .
“I for one will continue to go to shul and pray for those sick with these disease”
Just make sure nobody says amen to your berachos, ain ze mevarech elah menaetz