Corona: Mikveh maintenance on Shabbat
26 March, 2020
Question:Hi! I’m a mikveh attendant, and we’re being careful to follow all the regulations for cleaning and chlorinating the mikveh to avoid any danger of Corona infection, chas veshalom. Can we follow the usual chlorination routine on Shabbat? What about disinfecting surfaces between women? Thank you!
Answer:You may add chlorine or bromine tablets to the water even on Shabbat. You may also use a pool tester or indicator strips to check chlorine levels as needed. Although indicators that involve changing colors can raise halachic questions on Shabbat, their use is permissible under the current circumstances.
Mikveh surfaces should be cleaned using disinfectant wipes and/or disposable rags with a bleach or alcohol liquid solution.
Yashar Ko’ach and Shabbat Shalom!
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