Davening in the shadow of Corona

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Following the 24 hour closure of a Synagogue in Melbourne the Rabbinical Council of Australia and New Zealand (RCANZ) has received inquiries on what precautions should be taken for davening in a Minyan and congregating in Shules.

Rabbi Yaakov Glasman

Halacha requires us to follow medical advice in these circumstances. The RCANZ has contacted the Department of Health and has received the following guidelines which you are encouraged to implement and to share with your community if you deem appropriate:

• • Individuals experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus should not attend Synagogue and should seek medical advice. Details of the symptoms and other relevant information can be found at -https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
  • Synagogues visited by individuals who have recently experienced or are currently experiencing these symptoms or who were confirmed to have contracted the virus should contact the Department of Health and seek its advice. These Synagogues will be assessed by the Department on a case by case basis.
  • Individuals who are healthy should continue attending Synagogue as usual ensuring proper hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap and/or hand sanitizer.
  • Common surfaces touched by multiple people (including the Mezuza) should be cleaned regularly.
  • Panic and hysteria are not helpful. People should use common sense and follow medical advice from official sources.