Two consultant doctors in London have urged community members not to take part in "illegal minyanim". 

In a message circulated on social media, Dr Michael Markiewicz, consultant paediatrician at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and Dr Anthony Gubbay, consultant anaesthetist at the Royal Free Trust, pointed out that the aim of lockdown was “to limit the virus spreading. Because it if spreads out of control, then it can cause much more harm.

“By keeping minyanim going, you are increasing the risk of spreading the virus regardless.” 

They noted that in schools and businesses, contract tracing was in use. 

But in minyanim in shuls or private locations, “none of these measures are in place [leaving] a way for the virus to spread undetected”. 

They added: “Decisions to keep illegal minyanim open are being made by those who are neither medical nor research professionals. This has produced illogical decisions. All medical professionals are telling people to be responsible and stop these minyanim.“ 

The doctors mentioned that they had both lost a parent this year and themselves had a need to say Kaddish. 

Places for worship are currently open in England for private prayer only – although collective services will be allowed to resume at the end of lockdown next Wednesday.