Uman pilgrim tests positive for coronavirus, mayor threatens to close city
Uman's mayor plans to use all legal options to block the city as pilgrims enter despite regulations.
By EVE YOUNGJEWISH PILGRIMS pray at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov on the eve of Rosh Hashanah in Uman, Ukraine, September 20, 2017.(photo credit: VALENTYN OGIRENKO/REUTERS)
After learning that an ultra-Orthodox pilgrim to Uman was infected with coronavirus, Uman’s mayor Oleksandr Tsebriy announced that he intends to block off the whole city, according to N12.The mayor’s announcement followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to create a committee to explore options for the pilgrimage to Uman.Tsebriy went on to say that the “situation in Uman has become much worse” and that he will do “everything he legally can” to close the city.There are 70 countries from which entrance to the Ukraine is forbidden, according to Tsebriy, but, despite regulations, pilgrims have been able to enter through green countries and connections.Tsebriy said that he does not believe the pilgrims’ signed declarations that they are not sick and have not been in contact with a sick person.On Friday, there were violent clashes between Uman locals and pilgrims. Tsibriy said that locals who participated in clashes do not represent the general atmosphere in the city, but that city’s residents fear the spread of coronavirus and do not want pilgrims to enter.Tobias Siegal contributed to this report.
