California synagogues close again amid new statewide virus restrictions
In addition to houses of worship, governor’s order shutters malls, bars, zoos, museums, gyms, hair salons and other businesses
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JTA — Synagogues in California have been shut down again, following statewide restrictions announced by the governor. The step comes following the continued rise of coronavirus cases in the state.
The order issued Monday closes all indoor dining, bars, zoos and museums throughout the state, as well as gyms, houses of worship, hair salons, malls and other businesses in 29 counties that are home to some 80 percent of Californians, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The closures by Gov. Gavin Newsom come a month after the state said that restaurants, retail stores, bars, religious services and gyms could reopen with modifications in certain counties.
Over a dozen Orthodox synagogues in Los Angeles signed a letter in May saying they would stay closed an additional two weeks after the state permits gatherings of 10 or more.
There have been more than 7,000 deaths from the coronavirus in California, which has averaged 8,211 new cases confirmed coronavirus cases a day in the last week, the Times reported Monday. The previous week, the average was 7,876.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner announced Monday that district schools would open the new term with classes held online.
The Times of Israel Community.