Q. A new spray is about to be marketed. When sprayed into the nose or/and mouth. it greatly helps to protect against infection by COVID-19. It stops the absorption and growth of micro-organisms such as viruses or bacteria. Can it be used during Shabbos?
A. On question 2995 regarding the use on Shabbes of a new liquid product that can be sprayed onto cloth face masks. It creates a coating using electrostatic charges, captures COVID-19 molecules on the surface of the mask, preventing them from being inhaled into the lungs or exhaled into the environment. This greatly increases the effective protection of the masks. WE wrote that although Poskim permit using during Shabbos suntan and insect repellent liquids, oils and lotions, when they are thin, of low viscosity, and of flowing consistency. However, regarding the spray in question, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one should avoid spraying the mask during Shabbos as the prohibition of 'tikun mana' or changing and fixing an object may be involved, since the intention is indeed to make the mask a better type of filter."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in our shaila, since the spray is used on the body itself and it is basically a preventive medical procedure, it is permitted in need.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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