The question is whether we have herd immunity already. Although the percentage of Frum Yidden with anti-bodies is not high enough for us to be considered immune at this point, T-cells may show the bigger picture. 50% of blood samples taken between 2015-2018 had memory T-cells that could have protected the person from COVID-19!
This from the WSJ:
“ This seems especially probable since scientists are now discovering that many asymptomatic or mild cases don’t develop Covid-19-specific antibodies.
One reason is that some people have underlying T-cell immunity from past coronaviruses that can help them vanquish the novel virus without developing antibodies. Several studies have found that even people who were never infected with Covid-19 nonetheless have “memory” T-cells—the immune system’s fighters—from past coronavirus infections, which attack the new virus. A La Jolla Institute for Immunology team has detected residual T-cells in about half of blood samples collected between 2015 and 2018.”
The article first discusses different strains and is a good read.
Cuomo is far from a magician IMHO. NY’s lack of a resurgence is not because of his careful opening (coupled with mass protests). On the contrary, NY, and especially NYC, has likely reached herd immunity because of closing down so late in the virus’s spread. (That’s why states and Israel are seeing a spike when reopening, as there’s no widespread immunity there.) The Frum community where it spread quickly and early is likely even more immune than the general population in the same neighborhood. This includes children that were exposed whether they caught it or not.
So my two cents: if you’re at risk be careful, especially if you’ve locked down early. However, if you stay within your own “exposed by Pesach Heimish circle” you’re relatively safe.
Now go tell Cuomo to open the summer camps…
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy summer!