Zero Jewish deaths from Covid in past two months

THERE HAVE been no Jewish community deaths linked to coronavirus reported for more than two months.

A total of 903 members of the community have succumbed to the virus but no deaths have been recorded since the week ending April 17.

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl welcomed the news.

She said: “We have taken a heavy toll from Covid but the efforts of everyone in the community means that the pandemic is under control for now.”

The news follows reports that Jews have the highest take-up rate of second Covid jabs among over 70s with a stated religion.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that almost all of the community’s over 70s had taken up the offer of a second vaccine when offered.

Ms Van der Zyl urged anyone who has not taken up their vaccine to book in for the jab as “the virus is still with us, and the Delta variant is spreading quickly.

“I urge anyone who hasn’t already been vaccinated to get their jab as soon as possible and for everyone to observe the regulations to the letter.”

According to ONS statistics, those who identified as Christian had a similarly high rate with 96.2 per cent, while those with no religion had a 95.8 per cent take-up.

Those who identified as Muslim had a lower rate with 84.7 per cent, while those of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage were recorded at 82 per cent.

In the first wave, Jewish men were twice as likely to die from the virus as Christian men when allowances were made for age and socio-economic status.

According to research, Barnet has seen the most jabs administered in a London borough. As of Saturday 222,379 first doses had been given in the borough.

Jewish over-70s are topping the vaccination league