Jewish organisations are moving to clarify the situation regarding circumcisions after the government yesterday banned all ceremonies apart from funerals.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced the closure of places of worship for at least three weeks as he increased measures to combat the threat of coronavirus on Monday evening.

Traditionally, at a brit milah, apart from the parents, there will be the mohel, the sandek – often a grandparent – who holds the baby ritual, while it is usual to have a minyan present.

A spokesman for Milah UK said, "We were in touch with the government immediately after the Prime Minister’s address on the question of brit milah in the context of the new measures.

“We will be working on this with the Initiation Society and the Association of Reform and Liberal Mohalim today."

The Progressive mohalim are due to meet tonight.