If morbidity rises, it may be difficult to provide treatment for corona patients • Restraint measures will come at a price, but we must do our best • Opinion
On the eve of the Tishrei holidays, the State of Israel has reached a particularly challenging situation, where it is testing its success in maintaining the health of its residents and their normal fabric of life.
President Rivlin asks Israeli citizens to follow the guidelines // Photo: GPO
The corona plague will be with us for another long time.
It is a rolling event to which we are not accustomed, which charges all of us very high personal, economic and social prices, and requires mental strength and sacrifice.
These prices will become doubly difficult during the holidays, which are usually much happier and more pleasant.
If morbidity continues to rise, in about two weeks we are likely to reach a point where medical staff will find it very difficult to give Corona patients and other patients the care they deserve, and we may have to make tougher choices between patients.
We should not blame the rise in morbidity rates on the behavior of one sector or another.
The eruption is widespread, encompasses all sections of the population and affects us all.
The measures dictated by policymakers will not be enough, in themselves, to curb the epidemic.
The key to our success in overcoming the corona crisis lies in us, the residents of Israel.
The restraining measures and restrictions expected in the near future will take a heavy toll on us;
But if we are not all done, each in his own little piece of God, the maximum for these steps to succeed - then the price paid will be in vain.
The required waiver concerns the mental capillaries of each and every one of us, who will have to give up the things that are most sacred to them - whether it is marking the holidays with the family, prayers in the way we are accustomed to, whether they are weddings or a demonstration of things that really matter to us.
We will all have to give up some of these things if we want the effort to succeed.
Although a visit to the cemetery on the eve of Yom Kippur or participation in memorials has been exempted from the expected restrictions, as well as jobs in the private sector, public parks and other places - I urge you to reduce the gatherings and meetings as much as possible.
If you must gather, for example in the workplace, in the synagogue or for medical treatment, be sure to wear masks, social distance and follow the rules.
If everyone shows solidarity, we will emerge from a period of more united Tishrei holidays, more proud of ourselves, and in a situation that will return Israel to being among the countries that cope better with the virus.
In the same way, the teams are given the strength to deal with the battle, which is expected to continue for many more days.
Happy New Year and happy signing!
The author is the director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Hospital for Children at Sheba Medical Center, and a member of the Corona Supervisor Advisory Team.