The communal death toll from coronavirus has reached 900, based on the latest Board of Deputies figures on Jewish burials related to Covid.

Announcing the figures, Board president Marie van der Zyl urged community members “to continue to observe all government guidance scrupulously. If we all act responsibly now, then we will be able to, once again, celebrate Shabbat, festivals and our Jewish life in the way we want, as soon as possible.

“For the many Jewish families who have lost loved ones in the last year, the hope that we can ‘all get back together again’ will never be entirely fulfilled. Our hearts go out to those who will struggle with loss this Pesach.”

In the week ending March 19, there were four Jewish Covid-related burials. The Board collates the figures in conjunction with burial boards, regional Jewish communities and the Jewish Small Communities Network.