Due to staffing shortages, starting Monday, January 10th, all Heinen’s will be changing their hours. They will be open 10 A.M. – 7 P. M. every day including weekends. This change will last indefinitely.
Updated: Heavy Police Activity in CH
9:00 P. M. Heavy police activity now reported in the area of Washington and South Taylor. Reports of police with assault rifles and K9 unit actively searching the area.
8:00 P. M. No longer police activity in Derech HaTorah area of South Taylor.
1/2/22 6:52 P.M. Police activity in the area of Yeshiva Derech HaTorah on Taylor Road has been reported. Police are reported to be searching the area with their weapons drawn actively looking for someone. Please avoid the area, lock your doors, and exercise extreme vigilance.
CDC Updates Guidelines for Quarantine and Isolation
The CDC on Monday, 12/28/21 updated its guidelines for quarantine and isolation. In many cases where the previous guidelines recommended 10 days the new guidelines recommend 5 days.
You can view the updated guidelines at www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html.
Dec. 23, 2021 Omicron Update by Mendel Singer PhD MPH
The new COVID variant, Omicron, is causing COVID cases to skyrocket, including in our community. Below is a summary of key things to know based on what we know so far. A more detailed report follows the summary.
Summary
Omicron is much more transmissible: 2x as much as the Delta variant, 4x as much as the original COVID. But cases rise exponentially, so each doubling of the transmission rate results in much more than a doubling of cases.
Omicron seems to be more mild, though we’re still figuring out how much is due to Omicron and how much is due to protection from boosters and more people with prior COVID infection. Even if more mild, with so many more cases it will stress the health care system.
Vaccination helps. Recent booster provides about 75% protection against getting infected, but probably over 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths. Two shots from a while back has much less protection against infection, but still reduces severe cases by about two-thirds.
Prior COVID infection and no vaccination – there are lots of reinfections, but they tend not to be severe cases. Less clear about people who had COVID as long ago as the first wave, March-May 2020.
Vaccination reduces spread by reducing the number of cases and for those getting infected anyway, by being infectious for a shorter amount of time.
Antibody treatments for previous COVID variants was very effective, but it seems that only one of the three treatments (sotrovimab – made by GlaxoSmithKline) works against Omicron and is in short supply already. This will be problematic for high-risk patients.
New Pfizer pill (Paxlovid) was just approved and will work great against Omicron – but it will be a while before there is much supply. It won’t help much with this wave. The Merck pill (Molnupiravir) was also just approved – not as good as Pfizer’s and with more side-effects, but will help while supplies of Pfizer are limited.
Bottom Line
Even if we will all eventually get COVID, there’s value in boosters and mitigation methods, as excellent treatments are not far off. That’s aside from trying not to overwhelm the healthcare system, which can lead to worse outcomes for COVID and non-COVID patients and increase the incredible burnout rate in health care workers. And let’s not forget that there are people whose health prevents or limits benefit from the vaccine, so reducing spread protects them as well.
Vaccination and booster shots make a difference, both protecting yourself and others. People who are at higher risk for severe COVID should be more careful, e.g. consider wearing KN95 masks as opposed to surgical masks. It should be noted that some people don’t realize they are at higher risk, e.g. Age 55+ and very overweight. Also, with COVID rates high and rising in our community, people with even mild symptoms should be quick to suspect COVID and get tested.
Click here to read the rest of the update with more info and details
Medical Leadership from Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals Joint Press Conference
The doctors and nurses gave a joint press conference on Wednesday describing what they’re seeing on the frontlines.
Kids COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic, Monday, December 13th; Preregistration Required
Updated: Water Boil Advisory Including Lyndhurst and South Euclid Through Wednesday
Update: The boil advisory no longer includes University Heights.
Cleveland Water has issued a water boil advisory due to a water main break. The affected area includes University Heights, South Euclid and Lyndhurst. The map currently displayed on the website does not match the areas stated in the posting.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT FLUSHING AND BOILING IT FIRST. Flush all taps used for drinking and cooking for at least 3 minutes. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for at least one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Waterborne illness may include nausea and stomach discomfort. If you experience one or more of these symptoms and they persist, contact your doctor. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly people may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
Clocks Change this Motzei Shabbos
Repost because once a year we can laugh at an old joke.
This weekend clocks are moved back one hour. While the official time to do this is 2am Sunday morning, you can just do it before you go to sleep; definitely before Sunday morning carpool.
Practically speaking, the change means that Sunday morning you gain one (measly) hour of sleep which you already used Motzei Shabbos staying up later. It also means that for the next four months you’ll practice subtracting an hour from the time on your car’s clock, and that darkness will fall an hour sooner but hey, we’re Cleveland, we’re used to not seeing the sun.
Joking aside, this change affects halachic zmanim. Please remember to pay attention to the new zmanim going forward.
University Heights JVote Endorses Barbara Blankfeld for Mayor
University Heights Mayoral and Council Debates Available for Viewing on YouTube
The League of Women Voters’ University Heights Mayoral and Council debates took place this evening and were livestreamed on YouTube. A recording of the debates can be viewed at https://youtu.be/4U-hf400D-g. The Mayoral debate begins immediately and the Council debate begins at approximately 52 minutes and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/4U-hf400D-g?t=3145.
Mayfield Village to Begin Using Traffic Camera on 271
On the stretch of 271 between Wilson Mills Road and nearly Ridgebury Boulevard, Mayfield Village will begin using a human-operated speed camera and mailing tickets to offenders. The Mayfield Village council unanimously approved the move which is expected to begin mid to end of October.
Those driving to/from Wickliffe should especially beware.
More information at Cleveland.com.
Kemach 5782 Urgently Needs Volunteers on Sunday
Dear Friend,
An opportunity for you to end off this year with a mitzvah for the Klal.
In order to expedite Kemach, to make the wait as short as possible, we still need more volunteers.
Won’t you please pick up the phone and call us NOW at 440-7-KEMACH or email kemachcleveland@gmail.org?
Looking forward to hearing from you very soon,
Kemach 5782
Kemach 5782 Urgently Needs Volunteers on Sunday
Dear Friend,
An opportunity for you to end off this year with a mitzvah for the Klal.
In order to expedite Kemach, to make the wait as short as possible, we still need more volunteers.
Won’t you please pick up the phone and call us NOW at 440-7-KEMACH or email kemachcleveland@gmail.org?
Looking forward to hearing from you very soon,
Kemach 5782
$50 For Your Thoughts on COVID/Vaccination; and Help the Klal! Last Chance!
Frum Community COVID-19 Survey Must enter by Tuesday!
Fill out an online, anonymous survey and enter a raffle to win a $50 pre-paid VISA card (twenty winners!). This anonymous survey, being done in Orthodox Jewish communities across the US and Canada, is endorsed by HaGaon HaRav Noach Isaac Oelbaum.
We will share a summary of the results to help doctors and organizations better serve our communities.
The survey is being conducted by the following frum professionals:
- Mendel Singer, PhD MPH, Case Western Reserve U. School of Medicine, Cleveland
- Lee Caplan, MD MPH, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta
- Ephraim Shapiro, PhD MPA MBA , Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Rabbi Reuven Becker, MS Ed MBA, L’Orech Yomim Center, New York
Questions to mendel.singer@case.edu
Frum Community COVID-19 Survey: https://cwru.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4IrUgd7MgQyD5Hw
$50 For Your Thoughts on COVID/Vaccination; and Help the Klal! Last Chance!
Frum Community COVID-19 Survey Must enter by Tuesday!
Fill out an online, anonymous survey and enter a raffle to win a $50 pre-paid VISA card (twenty winners!). This anonymous survey, being done in Orthodox Jewish communities across the US and Canada, is endorsed by HaGaon HaRav Noach Isaac Oelbaum.
We will share a summary of the results to help doctors and organizations better serve our communities.
The survey is being conducted by the following frum professionals:
- Mendel Singer, PhD MPH, Case Western Reserve U. School of Medicine, Cleveland
- Lee Caplan, MD MPH, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta
- Ephraim Shapiro, PhD MPA MBA , Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Rabbi Reuven Becker, MS Ed MBA, L’Orech Yomim Center, New York
Questions to mendel.singer@case.edu
Frum Community COVID-19 Survey: https://cwru.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4IrUgd7MgQyD5Hw
$50 For Your Thoughts on COVID/Vaccination; and Help the Klal! Last Chance!
Frum Community COVID-19 Survey Must enter by Tuesday!
Fill out an online, anonymous survey and enter a raffle to win a $50 pre-paid VISA card (twenty winners!). This anonymous survey, being done in Orthodox Jewish communities across the US and Canada, is endorsed by HaGaon HaRav Noach Isaac Oelbaum.
We will share a summary of the results to help doctors and organizations better serve our communities.
The survey is being conducted by the following frum professionals:
- Mendel Singer, PhD MPH, Case Western Reserve U. School of Medicine, Cleveland
- Lee Caplan, MD MPH, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta
- Ephraim Shapiro, PhD MPA MBA , Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Rabbi Reuven Becker, MS Ed MBA, L’Orech Yomim Center, New York
Questions to mendel.singer@case.edu
Frum Community COVID-19 Survey: https://cwru.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4IrUgd7MgQyD5Hw
Arrests Made in Killing of Shmuli Silverberg, z”l
Denver police on Thursday announced the arrest of four young men after a crime spree on Tuesday in which one person was hurt and Shmuel Silverberg was killed. A fifth suspect remains at large.
COVID19 Vaccine Letter from Rabbi Hirschfeld and Dr. Pollack
Dear Friend,
With Covid-19 case numbers on the rise again, we feel compelled, as members of the Bikur Cholim leadership team, to reach out and share our thoughts regarding the current situation. Jewish Cleveland can and should take an active role in preserving the health of our community.
As Yidden, we have long enjoyed certain freedoms, including davening in shuls and celebrating Yomim Tovim with family and friends.
Covid-19 threatens these very freedoms.
We see the vaccines as one of the strongest deterrents we have to curb the current spike in cases and to reduce hospitalizations and loss of life. Acting now may also help prevent the development of future variants and additional suffering.
The vaccines, which were developed using accepted scientific methods and have been endorsed by the FDA and CDC, have been proven safe and effective. Halacha obligates us to embrace established scientific practices that contribute to the well-being of all. It is considered a mitzvah to get vaccinated. This is supported by Gedolim and Rabbonim who guide Bikur Cholim in their activities.
We know these are difficult and stressful times for our community, and we want to remind you that Bikur Cholim is here for you to ease your healthcare burden.
K’Siva V’Chasmia Tova,
Boruch Hirschfeld
Rabbi, Congregation Ahavas Yisroel
Rabbinic Advisor, Bikur Cholim of Cleveland
Michael (Meir) Pollack, MD
President, Bikur Cholim of Cleveland
TODAY IS ELECTION DAY!
- Watch this video to see why this race is so important: https://youtu.be/
1Ow7YYAzrRU - Polls open 6:30 am – 7:30 pm. Find your precinct at JewVote.org
- You must request a Democratic Ballot. This can be done regardless of what party you affiliate with.
- There will be a very low voter turnout. The frum community WILL be the difference!
The Election Is Now Through Tuesday August 3.
- Watch this video to see why this race is so important: https://youtu.be/1Ow7YYAzrRU
- You must request a Democratic Ballot. This can be done regardless of what party you affiliate with.
- Election Day is Tuesday, August 3, 6:30 am – 7:30 pm. Find your precinct at JewVote.org
- Mail-In Ballots must be postmarked no later than Monday, August 2
- Early voting at the Board of Elections until Monday, August 2. See the times at JewVote.org
- There will be a very low voter turnout. The frum community WILL be the difference!
The Election Is Now Through Tuesday August 3.
- Watch this video to see why this race is so important: https://youtu.be/1Ow7YYAzrRU
- You must request a Democratic Ballot. This can be done regardless of what party you affiliate with.
- Election Day is Tuesday, August 3, 6:30 am – 7:30 pm. Find your precinct at JewVote.org
- Mail-In Ballots must be postmarked no later than Monday, August 2
- Early voting at the Board of Elections until Monday, August 2. See the times at JewVote.org
- There will be a very low voter turnout. The frum community WILL be the difference!
The Election Is Now Through Tuesday August 3.
- Watch this video to see why this race is so important: https://youtu.be/1Ow7YYAzrRU
- You must request a Democratic Ballot. This can be done regardless of what party you affiliate with.
- Election Day is Tuesday, August 3, 6:30 am – 7:30 pm. Find your precinct at JewVote.org
- Mail-In Ballots must be postmarked no later than Monday, August 2
- Early voting at the Board of Elections until Monday, August 2. See the times at JewVote.org
- There will be a very low voter turnout. The frum community WILL be the difference!
The Election Is Now Through Tuesday August 3.
- Watch this video to see why this race is so important: https://youtu.be/1Ow7YYAzrRU
- You must request a Democratic Ballot. This can be done regardless of what party you affiliate with.
- Election Day is Tuesday, August 3, 6:30 am – 7:30 pm. Find your precinct at JewVote.org
- Mail-In Ballots must be postmarked no later than Monday, August 2
- Early voting at the Board of Elections until Monday, August 2. See the times at JewVote.org
- There will be a very low voter turnout. The frum community WILL be the difference!
Federation Rally for Israel at 5PM Wednesday
As the violent attacks in Israel continue to escalate, Jewish Cleveland is coming together to show our support. Join us as we [Read more…]
CDC Eases Restrictions On Outdoor Mask Wearing
The CDC today issued updated guidelines on wearing masks outdoors. Fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks outdoors when in small groups, exercising, or dining.
But the C.D.C. is maintaining advice on other safety measures, saying [Read more…]
FDA and CDC Lift Recommended Pause on Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine Use Following Thorough Safety Review
Summary:
The two agencies have determined the following:
- Use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine should be resumed in the United States.
- The FDA and CDC have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.
- The FDA has determined that the available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older.
- At this time, the available data suggest that the chance of TTS occurring is very low, but the FDA and CDC will remain vigilant in continuing to investigate this risk.
- Health care providers administering the vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) and Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.
Vaccine Side Effects: Perspective by Mendel Singer
Perspective is everything. Sometimes when something goes a little wrong, it highlights how right it usually goes. The news has reported on COVID-19 vaccine side effects because it is newsworthy. Like a lot of “hot” news topics, all the attention makes it sound much more common than it is. When we are talking about these extremely [Read more…]
One Person Confirmed Dead in Beachwood Shooting
A late morning shooting occurred outside the Embassy Suites in Beachwood. One person has been confirmed dead. Beachwood Police called in the Ohio Bureau of Investigation to help process the scene. As of now, there are no suspects.
Fuchs Mizrachi School and a few other local schools were placed on soft lockdown, meaning the students were not allowed outside.
The Beachwood Police issued the following statement:
“At 11:43 this morning, Beachwood police received a 911 call for shots fired at the Embassy Suites Hotel,” the statement read. “This was a contained situation and is being processed by the Beachwood Police Department and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). We are aware that messages were sent to area school parents indicating, ‘active shooter on Chagrin Boulevard’ and schools engaged in a soft lockdown. This message was inaccurate. There was never an active shooter on Chagrin Boulevard and there is no current threat.”
This is an evolving story. Check back for more information.
Indians Increase Attendance Capacity to 40% of Seats
The Indians, anticipating a loosening of coronavirus restrictions, elected to sell tickets on a month-by-month basis before the season started. Tickets for May will go on sale Monday, May 3 at Indians.com/tickets. Any increase in attendance will be done on a monthly basis.
From Cleveland.com.
Cedar Point to Open May 14th, Reservations Required
As Cedar Point prepares to open for the 2021 season next month, park officials have announced that reservations will be required for all guests before visiting the park until further notice. Online reservations will be open to season passholders starting April 26 at 11 a.m.
Cedar Point did not elaborate on their COVID-19 protocols for the 2021 season, saying more details will be released on April 26.
From wkyc.