For the purposes of this thread,
- A "COVID-19-specific halachic question" (henceforth "C19 question") is one which, due to the limiting nature of the question, cannot be generalized to other diseases, whether due to specifics of the question or the OP's insistence. Examples:
- Tahara for a meis who died from covid-19 (closed as duplicate)
- Why this rabbinic response to Coronovirus vs. other viruses? (closed as unclear)
- A "general plague halachic question" (henceforth "GP question") is one which can be generalized to other epidemics or pandemics, but may or may not be asked in the context of a specific disease. Examples:
Mi Yodeya is not a Rabbi and practical questions must be taken to one's personal Rabbi.
While our policy in general is to close psak-seeking questions and only reopen when it's no longer psak-seeking, I feel that the sensitive, and, frankly, c"v life-threatening nature of the COVID-19 pandemic demands a stronger response to such questions. The last thing we – or anyone – needs is for someone to think they can ask here as they ask a Rabbi (with medical expertise!), pose their question in such a way as to game the system – and then die. As the Sifri writes: if someone is supposed to die, don't let it be through your hands.
Is this something we should be worried about, and if so, how should we deal with it? Should there be a distinction between both types of questions I've outlined above?
Remember, voting on Meta is different. Upvote or downvote with proposals already posted to show your consent or dissent, and of course you can post an answer to this thread with your own idea!