The following are short answers by CJLS members in response to halakhic questions raised by COVID-19 on Pesah. Please note that these are not official responsa of the CJLS.
How does one balance the need to keep emergency supplies with the tradition to finish or get rid of hametz considering the possibility of food shortages?
(Answer by Rabbi Pamela Barmash) Because of anticipated shortages or disruptions in the supply chain, we encourage people to sell their hametz rather than use it up.
Are there safe alternatives for burning chametz for people without access to outdoor/communal space?
(Answer by Rabbi Pamela Barmash) It is customary to burn a small amount of hametz, symbolically, on the eve of the holiday. This may still be done if it can be done safely. Usually it is done outside, but a small amount of hametz can be safely burned in a sink. Hametz may also be discarded in the trash if rendered inedible by sprinkling with household cleaner, and then put in household trash, even though the trash may not be collected from one's property until after the holiday begins. Because of anticipated shortages or disruptions in the supply chain, we encourage people to sell any hametz rather than burn all of it. Hametz should not be flushed down the toilet because of possible damage to plumbing or the municipal sewer systems.
May we observe Pesah Sheini rather than Pesach if we believe we will be more fully able to observe it at that later date?
(Answer by Rabbi Pamela Barmash) While our coming celebration of Pesah is disrupted due to COVID-19, it is still to be observed in its usual time, starting the 14th of Nisan, with a seder to fulfill the mitzvah of telling the story, the recitation of other Passover liturgy, and restriction on hametz. We cannot predict the course of the pandemic in the future; nonetheless, those who wish to observe a secondary celebration during Pesah sheini are welcome to do so.