A statement from Trey Penton (MD), a Forefront leader:

Forefront Family,

As your friendly neighborhood infectious disease expert, the staff asked me to share some information and recommendations regarding the coronavirus outbreak. I’ve been a physician on the ground for various infectious diseases, from Zika to a measles outbreak and now Coronavirus, and I’ve treated patients — especially kids and young adults — with viral and bacterial infections every week for the past 6 years.

First, ignore the politicians and political pundits as they are a frequent source of misinformation.  Only pay attention to what healthcare professionals and scientists have to say and read for yourself at the website of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).   

Second, find out if you are High Risk or Low Risk. There are different instructions depending on your risk. 

About 80% of people will experience no symptoms or just a cold.  About 20% will have severe symptoms and may need to be hospitalized. The current mortality rate is around 2%. But those ratios are for the population at large. Almost every one in that 2% who have died are in the high risk category: people who are over the age of 65 and/or have a chronic disease like diabetes, chronic lung disease, or heart disease.  

Low Risk: Relatively healthy young and middle aged people 

You should not be worried.  Likewise, no children have died so far and do not appear to be at high risk like elderly people and people with chronic conditions. Please DO NOT stockpile masks and food.  Masks are in limited supply and especially important to leave available for healthcare workers and people at high risk.  Only wear a mask if you are directed to do so by a health professional. If you contract this new coronavirus, you probably will not be able to tell the difference between it and a regular cold.  For that reason, please stay at home if you have any cold symptoms. That includes not going to church or small group meetings. 

The #1 thing you can do to prevent the spread of any cold-like disease is wash your hands with soap and water.  Here are some other tips.

Here are some things you can do if you have a close loved one that is at high risk. 

High Risk: 65 years old and older and/or have a medical condition such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or you are on immunosuppressive medication. 

As the CDC has advised: please stay away from large groups of people.  It pains me to say that as we so desire your presence in our congregation however, I think it is in your best interest to remain cautious at this time.  Stay connected by joining our services online instead.

Everyone: 

Get your flu shot! Despite what you may hear, this year’s flu shot will help protect you from getting pneumonia and being hospitalized even if you get infected with influenza later on. Don’t believe the myths. 

There’s no vaccine or treatment for this new coronavirus yet - don’t fall for scams that tell you there is. 

Our Asian-American siblings have been the targets of racist behavior and speech.  At every opportunity, we should stand beside them and call out racism. Fear of a disease is not an excuse to be racist.  Don’t be racist - be an antiracist.

Please note, things change and as this outbreak evolves, different advice might be given from the CDC.  To stay up to date with all the current recommendations visit their website.

Tikkun Olam,

Manuel (Trey) Penton III, MD 

Pediatric Infectious Diseases

SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Kings County Hospital

Pronouns: he/him/his