Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Corona: Mikveh with weakened immune system

16 March, 2020
Question:

A year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I underwent radiation therapy. My immune system is weakened, which puts me in a high-risk group for infection. I’m supposed to go to mikveh Monday night and, to be honest, I’m really scared because of the current COVID-19 outbreak. What should I do?


Answer:

We appreciate the sensitive nature of this question and the weight of your concerns.

You must discuss the possibility of mikveh immersion with your physician. Ask whether it would be safe for you, on condition that you can arrange to be the first to immerse after the water has been changed and treated.

If your physician approves immersion, call ahead to arrange a time when you can be first to immerse, and will not need to spend time in the waiting room. You should follow the current guidelines, performing all your preparations at home. At the mikveh, you should just check yourself in the mirror and immerse.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you leave home and when you get back. Avoid touching your face while you are at the mikveh, and maintain a distance of two meters from the mikveh attendant and anyone else on the premises.

We wish you the best of health.

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