Ultra-Orthodox burn leavened bread for Passover holiday

Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem's religious Mea Shearim neighbourhood began Passover celebrations Wednesday by burning leavened bread, known as hametz.

During Passover, only unleavened bread known as matzo can be eaten, according to tradition that recalls the Jews' exodus from bondage in Egypt.

Jerusalem authorities have said they will gather the bread and burn it in a big bonfire in one location to avoid large gatherings.

But, some in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood shunned the orders.

Many of Israel's ultra-Orthodox residents, obeying their religious leaders, have ignored the government's pleas to stay home amid the coronavirus threat.

Some secular Israelis allege insular Haredi communities — with disproportionately high numbers of confirmed cases — are undermining national efforts to contain the virus.

In recent weeks, attempts by police to enforce quarantine orders in Bnei Brak and religious neighbourhoods of Jerusalem resulted in standoffs with angry crowds.

Police say officers have been assaulted multiple times and several paramedics have been injured by ultra-Orthodox crowds.

In recent days, defiance has subsided as the scale of the outbreak became clear.

Israel has reported 9,400 cases of the virus, and 71 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.