JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Dr. Yakir Kaufman, a Chareidi doctor who is the head of a department in Israel’s health ministry, warns of a terrible catastrophe which could hit the Chareidi public if they don’t strictly abide by health ministry regulations: “Unfortunately this pandemic hits Chareidi communities disproportionately, and some people are in serious condition.

“I wish to address you and beg of you, dear Chareidi public. Stop the spread of corona, abide by the regulations of health officials, don’t leave the house except for essential needs and then only for short periods. Don’t touch things, the virus can stay on surfaces, even on siddurim in shuls for up to 17 days.

“Use gloves and face-masks and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently. Even if you feel good you, or anyone, may be carrying the virus.”

“I’m Chareidi like you. I make an effort to daven every day in a minyan. At present I daven alone. This is a serious disease, I want to warn you, look what is going on in the world, look what’s happening to our brethren in the US. I call on you to be stringent on Pikuach Nefesh (saving lives), which supersedes all of the Torah.”

On Israel’s Channel 12 another doctor described the situation in Bnei Brak as “like Italy. Nearly every Chareidi who comes to be checked is positive. Some families have 100% infection.”