Rabbi’s positive coronavirus test has houses of worship changing protocols

Houses of worship are changing protocols in the wake of Rabbi Reuven Fink’s coronavirus diagnosis.
The rabbi, who leads the Young Israel in New Rochelle, is under self-quarantine after he tested positive for the virus. He was in contact with the family who first contracted the illness. About 1,000 members of the synagogue are also self-isolating.
Young Israel will remain closed until at least Sunday. 
Fink also teaches at Yeshiva University in Washington Heights. The university shared an update Friday morning that said he is “asymptomatic.”
Sinai Free Synagogue in Mount Vernon called off its annual Purim celebration that was scheduled for Sunday. Rabbi Mo Barzolai says it was in everyone’s best interest.
“We decided, for safety reasons and to minimize the risk of spreading any virus, to cancel the event,” he told News 12. “This is a very serious matter.”
News 12 was also at the Church of St. Anthony in Yonkers, where the facility was cleaned with extra vigilance. In addition, they have instituted a number of new protocols to limit congregants from touching one another and spreading germs.