44 UK Jews have died after contracting coronavirus

The total number of Jewish people who have now died from contracting coronavirus now stands at 44, an increase of two in 24 hours.

The Board of Deputies, which is keeping a record, has gathered data from key communal groups including Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, the Federation of Synagogues, the United Synagogue, the Joint Jewish Burial Society and Liberal Judaism.

A further 381 people nationwide died as of Monday, bringing to overall toll to 1,789 people. The number of fatalities in the community accounts for close to 2.5 percent of the national toll.

Among recent victims is was Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue rabbi, Neil Kraft. Last Friday, it was announced that Rabbi Uri Ashkenazi, the a leader of the Stanislaver Chasidic community in London, died aged 76.

Over the last week the Charedi community in particular has been urged to obey social distancing rules, after police were called over photos of Orthodox men in an outdoor minyan posted on social media, despite Jewish doctors having warned the community not to gather.

Communal groups have urged the community to follow government guidelines, with sweeping measures taken to limit its spread, including the closure of charities, schools and synagogues.