Covid-19 Fasting laws-Should one fast this year on 17th of Tamuz?

Law for one who is sick:[1] One who is sick is exempt from fasting, [and is even prohibited to be stringent upon himself to fast[2]].[3] This applies even if there is no danger involved in his illness.[4] He is not required to make up the fast on a later date when he feels healthy.[5] [Thus, anyone who is sick to the point that he is bedridden is not to fast this 17th of Tamuz. This applies whether he has Covid 19 or any other illness.]

One who is healthy-General law by pandemic: The Poskim[6] rule that during a pandemic one is not to abstain from eating and drinking, as it can make one more susceptible to the illness. However, it is unclear if this directive applies only to non-fast days, and it is coming to negate the establishment of fasts during a pandemic, or if it coming to negate fasting even the established fasts of the Sages. Practically, it all depends on the severity of the illness.[7] Regarding Covid-19: Some Rabbanim view Covid-19 as a clear danger of life for all people and therefore advise the general public not to fast this year during the pandemic even on the 17th of Tamuz. Most Rabbanim, however, take a more complex view differentiating between areas[8], age groups, and risk groups, and so is to be followed in all areas absent of their own Mara Deasra to give them direction. Anyone who is fasting must take extra care to avoid leaving their home the entire day, and if they do leave their home, must do so while wearing a mask.[9]

The following are the practical directives publicized by the majority of Rabbanim:[10]

People exempt from the fast:

1. Women who are pregnant, even if in general they are stringent to fast.
2. Women who are nursing, even if in general they are stringent to fast.
3. Anyone sick with Corona, even if feeling healthy and not bedridden.
4. Anyone with Corona symptoms such as loss of smell and taste, cough, difficulty in breathing.
5. Anyone who is within a high-risk group for Covid-19, as listed on the CDC website[11] and other health ministries.
6. Anyone who has a specific medical worry from the illness and has discussed with his doctor who instructed him not to fast.
7. People in quarantine due to possible exposure to the virus are not to fast if they have been instructed by their doctor not to fast. Otherwise, if they feel healthy, they are to fast.

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^[1] Michaber 554:6 regarding Tishe Be’av; Rama 686:2 [regarding Taanis Esther]; Chayeh Adam 133:6; M”B 550:4; Kaf Hachaim 550:7

[2] M”B ibid; Kaf Hachaim ibid

[3] The reason: As the Sages did not institute the fast for those who are sick [Michaber ibid]

[4] Chayeh Adam 133:6; M”B 550:4; See Q&A for definition of sick

[5] See Rama 686:2; M”B 686:5; Shaareiy Tziyon 586:11; Kaf Hachaim 686:22

[6] M”A 576:2

[7] See Biur Halacha 554:6 “Debimakom Choli” in name of Pischeiy Olam

[8] See Biur Halacha 554:6 “Debimakom Choli” in name of Pischeiy Olam

[9] Biur Halacha 554:6 “Debimakom Choli” in name of Pischeiy Olam

[10] Beis Din Rabbanei Chabad of Eretz Yisrael; Rav Yitzchak Yosef; Rav David Lau, the chief Rabbi’s of Israel; Rav Moishe Bransdofer

[11] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html