An ultra-Orthodox Jewish group is being warned it is putting its close-knit community at risk of a coronavirus “wildfire” by continuing to hold meetings during the tough Stage 4 restrictions.
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect is continuing to hold gatherings at its Ripponlea synagogue despite the Stage 4 lockdown
It comes after the Leader last month revealed the Satmar Hasidic Jewish group were dodging restrictions barring the running of religious ceremonies by claiming its prayer meetings were a support group.
Under Stage 3 restrictions support groups were allowed to continue meeting in socially-distanced groups of up to 20 people.
But the group can still legally meet, despite the even tougher Stage 4 restrictions.
According to DHHS, “essential support groups such as drug and alcohol support groups” can continue to operate under the tougher Stage 4 restrictions provided they have a COVID-safe plan and enough room to allow for one person per four square metres.
However, religious ceremonies are not allowed.
A high-ranking offical told the Leader: “DHHS has basically turned a blind eye and accepted that they’re a support group, even though they’re clearly a religious group meeting on Jewish holy days.”
The source said the Satmar group — believed to a breakaway from the Adass Israel group — was made up of about 80 families.
“DHHS have basically said that because it’s such a small group of no more than 400 people, it’s okay for them to meet,” the source said.
REad the article by Jordana Atkinson in the Herald Sun.