Jewish Community Council leader Levi Shapiro has revealed how "hundreds of volunteers" have come forward in Stamford Hill to help tackle the spread of coronavirus in a community where official Government advice is failing to cut through.

Mr Shapiro said a command post had been set-up within the north London Charedi community in order to tackle the impact of the virus.

Mr Shapiro told the JC: "There is still a big problem in Stamford Hill, the schools are now all closed – but some of the shuls are unfortunately still open.

"We are working with the government to ensure that by Monday it should be compulsory that shuls in Stamford Hill, in Golders Green or wherever will be closed.

"We certainly hope so – this is all about saving people’s lives. It is a very challenging time, but within all walks of life there are those people who might find it hard to understand."

Mr Shapiro, who has been widely praised for his efforts, said he had recruited ‘hundreds of volunteers within the community’ to help his efforts, which were taking place in a joint effort with other communal groups locally.

"In Stamford Hill we set up a command post where we dispatch calls, a special hotline was set up," he said.

"It was manned by specially-trained volunteers who have had training on how to respond to any potential coronavirus case.

"There is also an advice line for people who need to self-isolate – and of course assistance services to help those on their own with anything they might need.

"We are working on the medical side as well, trying to work as doctors, trying to ensure people are getting the right treatments.

"That is very important."

Mr Shapiro revealed he had been in discussions with London Mayor Sadiq Khan over efforts to provide further support to the community.

And he said he had held talks with "Downing Street officials and the Ministry of Justice" over the Government’s Coronavirus Bill and its implications for Jewish burial traditions.

"We are glad a group of MPs has come together to back an amendment ensure religious burial is respected," said Mr Shapiro, who said he had aided discussions over this matter since last week.

"We want to ensure that when the Bill passes it includes emergency powers for various different agencies, so that it case of mass causalities there is a risk people will not be able to get their bodies as hospitals won’t release them – and they will be cremated.

"This obviously goes against Jewish law. Hopefully on Monday the amendment will pass to ensure if any Jewish burial should take place, it should be respected – we should be able to get  to make a Jewish funeral.

"We have been on the phone to since Thursday and Friday to make sure they get the right message."

The Board of Deputies issued a statement on Sunday, urging the Government to amend emergency legislation to prevent local authorities being able to cremate bodies against their or their family's wishes.