Covid-19 outbreak: Orthodox communities urged to be extra vigilant

People living in Orthodox Jewish communities in Greater Manchester are being urged to be vigilant and take quick action if needed following a COVID-19 outbreak in North London.

Public health officials report there have been COVID-19 cases in Orthodox households in Hackney and Haringey in the last two weeks, and several households have been affected.

Given the close ties between communities, anyone in Greater Manchester who has visited or received a visit from members of the North London Orthodox community is asked to stay vigilant for symptoms of COVID-19, and get a test at the earliest opportunity.

Currently people from different households in Greater Manchester are not allowed to meet indoors or in a private garden. Members of the Orthodox and wider Jewish community are also asked to continue to observe these and other social distancing rules.

Lesley Jones, Director of Public Health for Bury Council, said: “Our colleagues in London are currently working with the local Orthodox community and religious leaders, with a particular focus on minimising risk of transmission between households.

“While we don’t have any reported outbreaks in Greater Manchester’s Orthodox communities at present, we know this could change quickly. We want to warn people here of the possibility that COVID-19 could have spread, and might still, unless people take extreme care.

“I would urge anyone experiencing even mild symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested immediately. It is vital that we all do what we can to protect ourselves and others.”

With most parts of Greater Manchester currently seeing a rise in coronavirus infections, all communities are being asked to work with local public health teams to help stop the spread.

Lesley Jones added: “We are asking people in the Jewish community to let us know if they see one or more cases in any particular place. We consider two or more linked cases as an outbreak, and we need to break transmission urgently and as early as possible.

“Our public health teams can be contacted for further advice.”

Dr Muna Abdel Aziz, Director of Public Health for Salford, is urging everyone to be prepared to cancel their plans at short notice and to self-isolate immediately when they are told they have been in contact with the virus.

She said: “The latest data from shows we have higher numbers of people testing positive in the last ten days, and we have real cause for concern.

“We are working closely with the public health teams in London, and also Gateshead, due to the strong links within the communities in the three areas.

“We understand that often in the summer months families from Hackney, Greater Manchester and Gateshead house swap, so we are advising extra precautions.

“The new restrictions mean that there should be no visitors to households who live in or who are travelling outside the area from Greater Manchester.”

Dr Jeff Schryer, Chair of NHS Bury CCG and GP at Whittaker Lane Surgery in Prestwich, said: “COVID-19 is a devastating illness that spreads easily and quickly from person-to-person. It has a disproportionate effect on older people, and multi-generational households are recognised as at particular risk.

“What has happened in North London is a reminder of how easily and quickly coronavirus can spread. We all need to follow the guidance around social-distancing and hand-washing to keep ourselves and others safe.

“We hope that the Jewish community will continue to stick to latest guidance and play an important role in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our area.”

Details of testing options can be found at via nhs.uk/coronavirus, including an option for a home testing kit or accessing tests at local sites in Bury, Salford and Manchester.

ENDS

Press release issued: 7 August 2020.

Note to editors

A reminder of the latest guidelines in Greater Manchester:

• You should not host or visit friends and family in each other’s homes and gardens, except where people from single adult households (those who live alone, or single parents with children under 18) have formed a support bubble with another household, even on Shabbos or Yom Tov.
• You also should not meet friends and family in other public venues.
• At your place of worship, please follow their social distancing and hygiene guidance, and make sure you register your attendance.
• Ensure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or a hand sanitiser before and after going to worship.
• Keep 2m apart from people not in your household, and don’t shake hands or hug other people.
• These restrictions apply wherever one goes on holiday, and to guests who may be expected from other areas of the UK or abroad.

Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

Help is also available from public health officials around making public venues such as school, community shops or places of worship COVID-secure. Contact: infectioncontrolprevention@bury.gcsx.goc.uk or 0161 253 6900.