Q. A friend’s elderly aunt is near death. She has no other close relatives in town and he was given permission during these pandemic times, to be with her for a short time while she is still conscious.
He wants to know if when entering her room, as she may not recognize him while wearing his protective face mask, if he can remove it for a few seconds, since it is essential that she knows who he is to establish that so important contact. Can he do it?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if he keeps the required distance, avoids breathing that short time, there should be no problem.
However, the Rov advised he should tell an attending nurse of his intentions, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflict.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a.