Hello, Rabbi Motzen, I would like to interview you about the coronavirus (COVID-19) as a message to the kids of this community. 

Akiva Schnitzer: What would you say to kids wanting to go to their friends’ house to play?

Rabbi Motzen: I would tell the kids it is against halacha right now to go play at friends’ houses, but I also want you to know that you have an incredible opportunity to save people’s lives like the greatest doctors and medical professionals. By staying home, you are helping save people’s lives, and that is an incredible opportunity that, normally, a 10-, 11-, 12-, and even a 35-or 55-year-old doesn’t have. So I want you to think about this and take into consideration that this is what is going to save people’s lives. It is going to be hard and challenging, but we know you can do it. And it is a huge mitzva.