Community has biggest spike in Covid-related deaths since early June

There has been the biggest spike in coronavirus-related deaths in the Jewish community since early June, with seven funerals taking place last week.

The latest figures released by the Board of Deputies on Tuesday include fatalities recorded inside and outside of hospitals, as of the week ending 2 October. It brings the total number of confirmed losses – where Covid-19 is listed on the death certificate – to 520. 

This comes amid an upsurge in positive tests across many parts of the country, with more than a 1,000 cases a day now being recorded in London. 

The Board compiles figures working with seven of the largest denominational burial boards, regional communities, and the Jewish Small Communities Network.

Wishing “bereaving families a long life, and pray that the memory of their loved ones should be for a blessing”, Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board, said: “The last two weeks have sadly seen an increase in those dying from Covid-19 in our community.”

We have already been hit hard by this awful disease and we are desperate to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

As we approach Simchat Torah and the joyful culmination of our festive season, I implore everyone to follow the Government regulations on hygiene and social distancing so that we can all keep as safe as possible.”

Burial boards working with the Board of Deputies, are: The Adath Yisroel Burial Society, the Federation of Synagogues Burial Society, the Joint Jewish Burial Board, Liberal Judaism, the Spanish and Portuguese Sephardi Community, the United Synagogue Burial Society and the Western Charitable Foundation.