LOS ANGELES—As lockdowns hit New York City and the rest of the country in March, the Big Apple’s public health department issued a set of guidelines for how individuals could continue enjoying sexual activity even during the stay-at-home period, without contracting a coronavirus infection.
COVID-19 is not considered a “sexually transmitted disease,” in that, at least according to current research, the virus does not appear to be passed from person-to-person specifically through sexual activity.
But any type of person-to-person contact facilitates transmission of the disease, particularly activities that can be associated with sex — such as kissing, talking, screaming, or even just heavy breathing. Anything that sends particles of fluid and mucous into the air, into another person’s mouth, nose, or eyes can be a vector for infection.
In their new guidelines, New York City health officials warn that “the virus has been found in the semen and feces (poop) of people with COVID-19.”
At the same time, however, “we do not know if COVID-19 can be spread through vaginal or anal sex.”
But to stay safe, health officials suggest having sex only with “people close to you,” most of all, yourself.
“You are your safest sex partner. Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex,” the guidelines say.
But recognizing that, New Yorkers will likely also want to engage in the more outwardly social forms of sex. While cautioning that group sex may not be the best idea, the guidelines recommend that sexual encounters involving three or more people take place in “larger, more open, and well-ventilated spaces,” and should include face masks for participants.
In fact, the guidelines strongly suggest face masks for any sexual encounters involving more than one person — but they add that the masking requirement, and even other forms of physical distancing, need not be an obstacle to quality sexual experiences.
"Make it a little kinky," the New York health officials say. "Be creative with sexual positions and physical barriers, like walls, that allow sexual contact while preventing close face to face contact."
The health department also suggests that New Yorkers “masturbate together. Use physical distance and face coverings to reduce the risk.”
And while the health department is strongly encouraging of sexual activity, even in the age of coronavirus, the officials warn that the one time to hold off on having sex is “if you or your partner are not feeling well.”
“If you feel unwell, or even start to feel unwell, avoid kissing, sex or any close contact with others,” the guidelines say.
Photo By Igor Mattio / Pixabay
