KEY POINTS

  • A Rabbi of New Irael synagogue in New Rochelle, New York, has tested positive for COVID-19
  • Rabbi Reuven Fink tested positive after being in contact with a congregant who also tested positive for COVID-19
  • Rabbi Fink is now in self-quarantine

A Rabbi of the Young Israel synagogue in New Rochelle, New York, has tested positive for COVID-19 after contacting the deadly virus from a congregant.

Rabbi Reuven Fink is now in self-quarantine after being tested positive with the flu-like disease after being in contact with the congregant who also tested positive for COVID-19.

The Yeshiva University, who broke the news Friday, said in a tweet that Rabbi Fink teaches two undergraduate classes at their Washington Heights campus.

Coronavirus Covid-19 USA, California
Passengers wear face masks to protect against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) after arriving at the LAX airport in Los Angeles, California on March 5, 2020. - California has declared a state of emergency as the number of novel coronavirus cases and deaths in the US continues to climb. MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

“We have reached out to his students and recommended as a precautionary measure to self-quarantine until further notice.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rabbi Fink for a full and speedy recovery,” said Yeshiva University president Dr. Ari Berman.

At least one student from the university was also reported to have contacted a virus. The New York Post said the patient is the 20-year-old son of New Rochelle resident and Young Israel member Lawrence Garbuz.

Garbuz's wife and daughter are also said to be sick.

Through the University's Twitter handle, Berman also posted earlier that lab tests of two students who were “considered at risk due to proximity”came back negative.

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