Toms River’s Rabbi Moshe Rotberg this afternoon issued the following guidance letter to his congregation regarding coronavirus.

By now, all of you have likely heard endlessly about the fears of the recent Corona outbreak.  The news outlets seem to be covering this  wall to wall in panic mode. We just wanted to bring a few things to your attention which may be valuable and can potentially save a lot of aggravation.

Firstly, the medical community in general has been criticizing the way the press has been creating unrealistic panic. At the same time, they also all agree this is potentially a very serious situation for many, and it is a truly potential devastating outbreak.

While not that much is known definitively about the virus here seems to be some of the basic facts. The virus is quite contagious likely more than the flu.

This is not typically fatal in healthy people. However, the most vulnerable amongst us including those with pre- existing medical conditions such as respiratory diseases,  diabetes, etc. as well as the elderly are susceptible to having a fatal outcome due to their inability to fight this virus.

Thus, while the typical healthy young person does not have a very serious risk as a result of the virus but they can be carriers to others who it can kill.

The main way it seems to be transferred is via respiratory fluids. Therefore, while there is absolutely no reason for mass panic and obsessive anxiety and worry over this,  we wanted to bring some common sense recommendations.

1. If you’re feeling under the weather stay home! For most, the virus is not much more than feeling a little sick.

2. If you cough or sneeze cover your mouth completely with a tissue or sleeve, as  that is a potential hazard to everyone in the room.

3. Don’t kiss the Torah or Mezuzah.

4. Don’t all use the same towel to wipe your hands.

5. Wash your hands with with soap and water THOROUGHLY (at least 20 seconds) after leaving anywhere you came in contact with others. Don’t touch your face until you did. This may be the BEST prevention.

6. Be mindful of others whom may not want to shake hands or hug.

7. Don’t leave dirty tissues around (ever).

8. The elderly and infirm should avoid large public gatherings.

9. If you’re coughing or sneezing, please stay home.