‘Use barriers:’ Public health officials provide safe sex tips as COVID-19 cases climb

'Use barriers:' Public health officials provide safe sex tips as COVID-19 cases climb
BCCDC
If you're thinking of getting frisky during the pandemic, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control wants you to know a few things first.

If you’re thinking of having sex during the COVID-19 pandemic, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control wants you to know a few things first.

In a recent post on their website, the BCCDC not only provided some advice to those considering engaging in sexual activities this difficult and confusing time but encouraged people to do so.

“Sex can be very important for mental, social and physical well-being; it is a part of everyday life. People can, will and should continue to have sex during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the organization wrote.

According to the BCCDC, COVID-19 spreads through liquid droplets in saliva and respiratory fluids after a person coughs, sneezes, or in some cases when a person talks or sings.

It’s still unknown whether the virus can be transmitted sexually.

READ: Six new cases of COVID-19 reported in Island Health since Friday

So, what should know you before you get down?

Well, the BCCDC recommends avoiding sexual intercourse all together if you, your partner or partners, have or recently had COVID-19. That also goes for those who have been instructed to self-isolate or exposed to someone with COVID-19.

“If you’re feeling fine and have no symptoms of COVID-19, you can still have sex. If you’re feeling sick, skip sex,” the organization says.

The BCCDC suggests sticking to one or just a few “regular” sex partners as it will reduce the chances of being exposed to COVID-19 as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

When it comes to actually having sex, the BCCDC says people should avoid kissing and choose sexual positions that “limit face-to-face” contact.

Wearing condoms and masks, using lubricants, dental dams are also recommended. People should also “use barriers” like “glory holes” that allow for sexual contact but prevent close face-to-face contact.

READ MORE: Passenger plane that landed at Victoria airport had COVID-19 on board

“Heavy breathing during sex can create more droplets that may transmit COVID-19,” the organization wrote. “Using condoms, lubricant, and may help to further reduce the risk by minimizing contact with saliva, semen and feces during oral and anal sex.”

If you still want to engage in sexual activity without the risk of getting COVID-19, there are ways to do that according to the BCCDC.

Video dates, phone chats, sexting, online chat rooms and even “group cam rooms” are all ways to engage in sexual activity without spreading COVID-19 says the organization.

At the end of the day though, the BCCDC says if you really want to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19, you should stick to masturbation.

British Columbia has recorded 3,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has seen a spike in the number of new cases in recent days.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province’s top doctor, has said most of the new cases are in people younger people between the ages of 20-30 and that British Columbians are “no longer’ having safe interactions.

Further sexual health information can be found at www.bccdc.ca.

 

Nicholas PescodNicholas Pescod

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