Given the latest national health directive on 22 March 2020, social distancing is still something we all need to adhere to and do over the next few weeks. It is a crucial time as we all collectively put our efforts to minimize the spread of this pandemic.A recent article published a few days ago by the Guardian website talks through intimacy in the time of the coronavirus; they had three experts weigh in on the risks associated with intimacy during this time. I have extracted a few things that are relatable to this article.
Is Covid-19 sexually transmissible?
According to Dr Jessica Justman, what they have been seeing is that it is not sexually transmittable. 'It's primarily spread through respiratory droplets. And touching contaminated surfaces is thought to be the secondary mode of transmission.'
Is Covid-19 transmissible through kissing?
In the article, Dr Carlos Rodríguez-Díaz, explained that there is no evidence that the Covid-19 can be transmitted via either vaginal or anal intercourse. 'However, kissing is a very common practice during sexual intercourse, and the virus can be transmitted via saliva. Therefore, the virus can be transmitted by kissing.'
Is it Ok to have Sex?
The advice is that if you or your partner have the virus, it is important that you stay clear of each other until you recover. According to Dr. Julia Marcus, if both you and your partner do not have any symptoms and have been close to home, then having 'sex might actually be a really great way to have fun, stay connected and relieve anxiety during this potentially stressful time.'
What about those of us who are dating or not cohabiting?
Due to the health directives that are asking us to practice social distancing and stay home, sexual intercourse as you can imagine may be a challenge, together with a number of sexual behaviours such as kissing, being in close proximity, touching and much more. It would be best to abstain if you are in between partners, don't have a regular partner, not living with a partner or getting to know a new partner.
So, if we can't have sex, what else can we do?
There are things we can do and still enjoy ourselves, be social and still be in touch with our sexuality. Here are a few suggestions you can try, whether you live on your own or with your partner.
- Discover yourself - that's right, beautiful people! Discovering what you like and unlearning or relearning your body is a great way of using this time as we need to adhere to social distancing. If you do use sex toys, please ensure you keep them clean - use soap and water after each use, and store them in a clean and sanitized space. If you are single, you can also use this time to figure what you would want in a partner and even what kind of sexual behaviour you are open to or not open to.
