MadeAliya is asking a good question – where is the boundary for risk? What does Gemora mean by “saving one life = saving the whole world”. I understand halakhic guidelines as what is seen as normal in daily activity. This is, of course, relative. There were times during human history where COVID would not be considered much comparing with damage by other illnesses and by people to each other ….
But before doing a cut-off, we need to first order threats according to their danger and describe costs of preventing them, and then apply some limits based on danger and costs. Naturally, Jewish considerations might be different from US government .. for example, there is an issue of your own decision in a famous case where you are at the wheel of a train that is going to hit 5 people, are you allowed to turn to the different track where you will hit “just” 1 person…
but, back to basics:
it seems that current COVID dangers are way over car crashes and flu. So, it is worth paying attention to before addressing flu.
what about costs – many here listed mental, learning, societal costs. Ok, so let’s list what we can do to address COVID sorting from those that are easy on people. At the same time, some might be machmir especially on themselves if they value their Yiddishkeit.
Some simple ideas, tell me whether you are doing them or are they high maintenance?
– open windows in shul and school
– not flying for vacation
– ordering delivery from the store instead of going there
– learning with your child for one day a week, or forming a small group with neighbors, instead of sending to a crowded school
– going one time less to shul, or not talking there, or not staying for kiddush
Some of this may require a small effort or even cots, but, I think, not more than shlepping to buy shmurah matza or buying an esrog mehadrin. Presumably, those who are not machmir in this, simply do not consider this a mitzvah, but just a consideration that they can entertain lightly “how about the flu”, rather than asking shailos and learning tosafos.