The leaders of the Gateshead community have eased some strictures over Pesach because of coronavirus.

In detailed guidelines for this year’s festival, they say that most alcohol wipes and sanitisers are not made from wheat-based alcohol and therefore may be used.

Although doing laundry is generally prohibited on the intermediate days of Pesach, they make an allowance this year for hand towels or bedding, if required to “curb the spread of infection”.

Men will be allowed to join the traditional siyum that takes place on the morning of the eve of Pesach by telephone — which spares the first-born having to observe the Fast of the First- born. A siyum, a festive meal marking the completion of learning a tractate of Talmud, has precedence over the fast.

The guidance, signed by the head of the Gateshead Yeshivah, Rabbi Avrohom Gurwicz, seven other rabbis and two doctors, reminds the community that “the overall situation remains critical and we must all continue to take full responsibility”.

Gathering for a minyan is absolutely forbidden, as is hosting guests.

The leaders point out that anyone causing a situation that potentially endangers life might be considered the equivalent of a rodef (in olden times, someone who could be pre-emptively killed to stop them killing others).

There is also advice from a doctor and a psychotherapist on reducing anxiety and maintaining emotional health.