The government has designated Hertsmere an “area of concern” over its rise in coronavirus cases, which has been attributed partly to “friendship groups [among teenagers] in the wider local Jewish community”.
Latest government figures show that the infection rate in the borough – home to key synagogues and Jewish schools – was 63.34 per 100,000 population over a seven-day period, one of the highest rates in the country.
Pupils from Hertsmere Jewish Primary and Yavneh College have been self-isolating and Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, the largest US congregation, has said it “won’t hesitate” to cancel Rosh Hashanah services if the situation demanded it.
Councillor Tim Hutchings, executive member for public health in Hertfordshire said: “We welcome this endorsement of the robust warnings that we have been making within the local community and the need to adhere to the rules. These include the enhanced rules announced for gatherings, social distancing and the need to self-isolate.
