The Board of Deputies is encouraging support for those self-isolating by disseminating a Can I Help You? "card" online which can be printed, filled out and posted through the letter-box of neighbours.

The idea is that people give their contact details and tick boxes denoting potential areas of help - shopping, posting mail, a chat by phone.

"At this time of national and international crisis, it is up to all of us to do whatever we can to help those in need, both within and outside our community," said Board president Marie van der Zyl.

The Board was consulting with other communal organisations to co-ordinate support efforts both within and outside British Jewry.

But individuals also had "a crucial role to play in doing whatever they are able to help those in distress in their local community.

"We all have a crucial role to play at this worrying time for our community and our country. We must all rise to this great challenge."

Those with ideas for action to help mitigate the issues facing those isolated because of coronavirus are asked to contact the Board's community engagement officer Lauren Keiles Lauren.keiles@bod.org.uk