Board of Deputies issues message to those who have lost loved ones after at least 22 community members die

She said: "Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones and those who are caring for the sick.

"There is no higher value in Judaism than preserving life, so please, do everything you can to follow the Government’s guidelines and stay home unless you absolutely cannot.

"For our part at the Board of Deputies, we care about communities large and small and we are doing all we can to maximise the continuity of Jewish life through this process and ensure we can celebrate a happy and healthy Pesach.

"We will get through this, but it needs everyone to play their part."

By Tuesday the UK’s coronavirus death toll had risen to 422, with more than 8,000 patients known to have had the virus.

But scientists say the true figure is likely to be closer to the 400,000.