Image Credit: Submitted/B.C. Centre for Disease Control

If you thought you couldn't both have sex and remain socially distant, B.C.’s Centre for Disease Control has tried to figure that out for you, with a handy guide to safe sex in the age of COVID-19.

“You are your safest sex partner,” it says on its web site. “Your next-safest sex partner(s) is/are the person(s) you live with, or the person(s) who has close contact with only you and no one else.”

The article explains that COVID-19 is spread through liquid droplets from saliva, breathing or coughing, so kissing is a higher risk activity.

COVID-19 has also been found in semen and feces but, the article notes, it’s unclear if the disease can be spread by having sex.

Here are some suggestions the B.C. Centre for Disease Control makes about having sex during COVID-19.

“Masturbating by yourself (solo sex) will not spread COVID-19,” it states. “If you masturbate with a partner(s), physical distancing will lower your chance of getting COVID-19.”

Virtual sex through things like phone chats, sexting, online chat rooms and group cam rooms are also ways to engage in sexual activity safely but, the article warns about the risks of sharing information or photos online.

If sex must be with a partner, the article suggests, first of all, make sure no one has any symptoms.

Then it recommends washing your bodies and any sex toys with soap and water and your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Wearing face coverings is recommended as heavy breathing can increase the number of droplets you may spread.

Choose positions that limit face-to-face contact. Using condoms, lubricants and dental dams may cut down on risk.

Or there are other ways to keep your distance.

“Use barriers, like walls (e.g., glory holes), that allow for sexual contact but prevent close face-to-face contact,” the article suggests.

With all that in mind, it may take some of the joy out of sex but, the article says, don’t be deterred.

“Sex can be very important for mental, social and physical well-being,” it states. “It is a part of everyday life. People can, will and should continue to have sex during the COVID-19 pandemic. Messages that discourage or shame people from sexual contact can be harmful and may discourage people from seeking essential sexual health services.”

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