New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio is furious at synagogues that continue to hold services as the novel coronavirus continues its spread in New York, where at least 1200 people have died. De Blasio is so angry in fact, that he’s issuing a stern warning in no uncertain terms, Friendly Atheist notes.
“While the majority of synagogues have closed in accordance with city orders aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus by limiting social gathering, others have stayed open,” he said, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Then he warned that synagogues that continue to defy the regulations set up for the coronavirus pandemic face the very real possibility of being shut down permanently. He also warned that Christian worshippers who continue to violate the regulations can expect the same treatment.
De Blasio added he was grateful to those synagogues and churches that follow the regulations.
“We’ve had extraordinary across the board rabbinical support from all the different elements of the Jewish community,” he said. “A small number of religious communities, specific churches, specific synagogues, are unfortunately not paying attention to this guidance, even though it’s been so widespread.”
His police officers have also been given orders to break up services, and if worshippers don’t comply, “the city will take additional action up to the point of fines and potentially closing the building permanently.”
