Rabbi Yoni Golker tested positive for coronavirus

Rabbi Yoni Golker has tested positive for the coronavirus, it was confirmed on Friday.

The associate rabbi at St John’s Wood Synagogue, who is showing mild symptoms, is self-isolating and following official medical advice from Public Health England.

The community’s senior rabbi Dayan Ivan Binstock is self isolating in a precautionary measure.

Members who were in close contact with Rabbi Golker in the last two weeks were advised to self isolate for a period of two weeks starting from the exposure.

Rabbi Golker is thought to have attended the community’s Purim party on 9 March.

St John’s Wood Synagogue is closed for cleaning, but all other United Synagogue shuls will remain open for Shabbat services this weekend.

The movement was forced to close its head office for cleaning on Thursday until Sunday after a member of staff reported showing coronavirus symptoms.

The staff-member, who has not been identified, has not been confirmed positive, the synagogue movement said.

United Synagogue, which is reviewing its programme until the autumn, revealed plans to postpone several events, which will be announced next week.

Guidance released by United Synagogue on Thursday urged communities to avoid sharing bowls and plates during the kiddush and favour serving food in individual portions or on a cocktail stick.

• Anyone showing mild coronavirus symptoms, such as a continuous cough or high temperature, has been urged to self isolate for at least a week.
• You can use the NHS 111 online service to find out next steps if you believe you may have the coronavirus, came into close contact with a confirmed case or visited a country or area with a high risk in the last 14 days.