Any updates this week? Any Rav switch sides in either direction?
It's not really a matter of switching sides, but this is some of what went on:
Many Rabonim have determined through their medical advisers, Daas Torah and the trust of their mispalelim, that minyanim can now be open with specific guidelines.
There are two issues which are being heavily worked on. Number one is the law. It has to be ok'd by the Police Commissioner and the Fire Cheif. The Five Towns and Far Rockaway are both in different situations regarding this issue.
The second issue is ayva and causing a Chilul Hashem.
Every neighborhood and every situation is different. Where porch minyanim are feasible, that is the safest, most legal and usually no issue with neighbors. When they are not, then usually the next option with the least ayva is in very large backyards, possibly using neighboring yards with minyan split if feasible. Unfortunately, that option poses the biggest issue legally since any size gathering is officially prohibited on private property. A minyan spread across (frum) front lawns with proper distancing is 100% legal, but depending on the block, it can be an issue with ayva.
Some have solved this issue by contacting neighbors, sending them trays and letters explaining what was going on. This has worked well.
Last week, major lobbying was done and permission was granted for backyard minyanim with certain conditions. Unfortunately, a Rabbi from the anti-minyan crowed found out and lobbied himself. He convinced the government officials to revoke the permission. He even convinced them to send a letter to all involved Rabbis warning them not to make any backyard minyanim ot they will face major fines. They were told the police had locations and would visit on Shabbos. This is not a secret and this Rabbi is proud of what he did. There are unconfirmed reports that he later apologized to his colleagues, but the damage was done.
Right now the Governor has placed these restrictions in the hands of local officials to interpret and enforce. There is major lobying being done now in Albany to get these minyanim legalized by the Governor, and to even open shuls, or at least their parking lots, with certain restrictions.
IY"H by next Shabbos these issues will be resolved. There is a large group of Rabonim and Askonim working on this behind the scenes. It will be very sad is everyone is allowed to go to parks and beaches, but not daven with ten people on a lawn.
There is also a large group of Churches working together on these issues.
That is the update.