There were seven Jewish burials last week of people who died after contracting coronavirus, the highest number recorded by the Board of Deputies since early June. Three Covid deaths were reported the previous week after three weeks without any fatalities. The overall Jewish death toll now stands at 520.

Board president Marie van der Zyl said: "We have already been hit hard by this awful disease and we are desperate to keep everyone as safe as possible. As we approach Simchat Torah and the joyful culmination of our festive season, I implore everyone to follow the government regulations on hygiene and social distancing so that we can all keep as safe as possible.”

The Board's figures are collated from seven of the largest denominational burial boards and from a large number of regional communities.