Someone below 50 with elevated blood pressure numbers partly influenced by COVID-19 stress discussed with me whether to attend a “porch minyan” this past Shabbos. My opinion was that if he thinks it’ll relax him he should go ahead. I don’t know if it was perfectly safe for everyone (he specifically is B”H cured of the virus – and I do know immunity is not yet certain) once we calculate wind and exaggerated distances needed for separation, but I still believe it was the right call.
GH: We’re not necessarily rebelling, but it’s extremely difficult for many to not Daven with minyan, listen to Rosh Chodesh bentching, Hallelel this week etc. Everyone has their own needs. Don’t belittle human feelings, even when halacha doesn’t mandate tefilla betzibur.
Additionally, my educated guess is that over 80% of the Heimishe community in Brooklyn has already been infected. We’re way over the curve here, and once numbers are proven MOST of us will be released from lock-downs, even where infection rates are a lot lower.
For the high risk population I don’t know what the answer is, Moshiach should come speedily.