Messages in Jewish New York City school parent chats advise against COVID testing to prevent shutdowns

(JTA) — Parents of students attending Jewish schools in New York City are being encouraged not to have their children tested for COVID-19 to prevent the schools from being shut down.

On Thursday, this message made the rounds on WhatsApp, a popular messaging platform in Orthodox communities: a

“DO NOT test your child for covid,” the message began. “The city has released new guidelines that mandate CLOSURE of an ENTIRE SCHOOL if there are two positive tests in the school.”

It went on to encourage parents to obscure suspected COVID-19 infections among their children.

“If your child is sick please...