Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) Statement on the current COVID 19 situation

24 Adar 5780

!לא תעמוד על דם רעך

If you have travelled from overseas stay home!

We are distressed and concerned by reports that many young people returning from overseas to our community have not been following the Australian Government announcement requiring them to self quarantine.

The requirement is clear: All travellers who arrived after March 15 are obliged to self quarantine for 14 days. This will be legally enforced. In addition to דינא דמלכותא דינא, following the law of the land, Halacha ​obligates us​ to follow all directives from the medical authorities in matters of preserving life.

It is absolutely forbidden to endanger oneself or others. Pikuach Nefesh (saving life) overrides almost all Mitzvot and considerations.

Therefore, if you have returned to Australia from overseas after March 15, you have a Halachik and moral obligation to self isolate.

This means those who have returned from overseas should certainly not attend any Minyanim anywhere (public or private) including weekdays, Shabbat or Yomtov. You should not go out your home to any private or public place. Parents and carers of young individuals returning to Australia from overseas should ensure the quarantine is being strictly observed and not be complicit in endangering the lives of others.

Read the self quarantine Government guidelines here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-disease-self-quarantine-international-arrivals-australia-what-you-need-know

We trust that we can rely upon you to strictly adhere to the above.