Although local leaders believe that Greater Manchester’s move into tier three measures will have only limited further impact on Jewish life, care chiefs have warned of the potential damage to the mental health of those isolated.
Tier three bans households mixing both indoors and outdoors and Michelle Wiseman, chief executive of the Nicky Alliance Day Centre, feared that further isolation among the elderly would only worsen the effects of dementia and depression.
“It is a big issue,” she said, recounting a recent call from a carer whose wife had sunk into a “very deep depression”.
Carers were also missing the respite offered by the day centre since it had to close its premises in March.
“Every month I keep hoping that we’ll be able to open,” Ms Wiseman added. “This is just another setback for us.”
Derek Tobias, 85, told the JC he was unhappy about the new restrictions as his mental health had suffered during the pandemic.
The Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation member said that with the Nicky Alliance closed, he had only ventured out eight times since March. “It’s quite a challenging existence now.”
Linda Jacobs, 79, who cares for her husband Sidney, 91, said she could not now have lunch with friends — her only respite.
The isolation had exacerbated her husband’s dementia “because he’s got no stimulation”. Attending the Nicky Alliance provided structure to his day and something to look forward to. “He hasn’t got that anymore.”
Jonny Wineberg, who is involved with Manchester-based Jewish Action for Mental Health, said the charity was fielding an increase in calls due to the pressures of the pandemic. And the ending of the national furlough scheme would increase financial and mental health problems.
Taking a more general view, Russell Conn, president of the Manchester Jewish Representative Council, said that “in terms of everyday life, I don’t think it’s going to make a demonstrable difference because we’ve been in restrictions in Manchester since the end of July.” Shuls can remain open in tier three areas.
His sentiments were echoed by Michelle Ciffer, chair of the Manchester Orthodox Jewish Forum and a member of the area’s coronavirus strategic group.
The city’s major communal welfare charity, The Fed, has suspended all visits — even “through-the-window” — to its Heathlands complex since Manchester was placed in extended restrictions in July.
Joshua Rowe, chair of Manchester King David High, told the JC that “we have had two teachers who have tested positive. A number of staff had been in contact with them so they have also had to isolate.
“In addition, we have a few kids who have tested positive and a number of other children who are having to isolate because they have been in contact with a pupil or teacher who have tested positive, a family member who has tested positive or a family member who is symptomatic and awaiting a test result.
“The cascade effect is enormous. One person is positive and dozens have to be off for 14 days. Is this not overkill?”
In a statement, Hatzola Manchester said: "There is a increase of cases of suspected coronavirus cases in our community, as there are in any other community. This is not a cause for panic as the majority of people have this mildly and are managing at home. The public must be aware that there are still other illnesses that must be treated and should not fear to go to hospital for any other medical reasons."
