Conference of European Rabbis releases advice on how to tackle spread of coronavirus

“If somebody is in quarantine, don’t visit him or her, unless you are protected,” it adds.

“At these times, we cannot underestimate the importance of washing hands on all occasions prescribed by halachah.

“We pray for all those who have been afflicted by this sickness. May God contain this epidemic, heal the sick and guide the scientist [sic] to find a vaccine.”

3,317 people in Europe have been diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus so far, with 53 cases confirmed in the UK. The World Health Organisation suggests social distancing and washing hands frequently as ways to avoid catching the disease.