With the province having gone into stage 3 of the pandemic, and businesses allowing the public back in, people are also getting back on the dating scene. On Sept. 2, Canada’s top doctor, Dr. Theresa Tam, said that she recommends people wear masks during sex.
Michelle Regan, Clinic Manager at the Brant County Health Unit, stated via e-mail that they would be echoing these recommendations made by Dr. Tam and the Public Health Agency of Canada with helping residents in protecting themselves from getting COVID-19.
While public health restrictions make dating quite challenging, Regan suggests non-physical connections such as online virtual dates, video encounters, phone sex, and text messaging as an alternative. She emphasizes, “Individuals who are not considered ‘household partners’ (i.e., partners who do not live together) are encouraged to respect social distancing to limit the spread of Covid-19.”
As the public received this information, it seems there have been some skeptical reactions.
When asked about general thoughts, Taylor H., 21, Conestoga alumni, says she “definitely disagrees.” She states, “I’ve been with [my partner] since the beginning of [the pandemic] and we’ve both been tested. I don’t see a need to wear a mask when I’m around him especially when it comes to sex. If I was hooking up with someone random that would be a different story.”
Kaitlyn P., 21, a student at Conestoga College responded, “Masks during sex? How about no STD’s instead.” She continues, “I think they should be encouraging their partner and safe sex practices. If people aren’t going to stop [dating], you can educate and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Dr. Tam says that couples should also skip any face-to-face contact i.e. kissing during sexual intercourse and be sure to wear a mask that covers both the nose and chin.
Opposed to this statement, Jay F., 20, former student at Conestoga College, said, “Why bother with sex if you won’t use your mouth.”
Dr. Tam also mentions that recent findings show that while contracting the coronavirus through semen has a low likelihood, sexual activity with new partners increases the risk of spreading COVID-19 through close contact.
Afreen M., 21, a student at the University of Waterloo also answered, “Sex with a mask on might be awkward… I think that there’s no point when there’s no social distancing going on if you’re fully naked anyways.”
Other things that Regan mentions help practice safe sex during the pandemic are dental dams, gloves, not sharing sex toys, and condoms.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment, tweet us @HCWLUBrantford or share this post on social media and let us know what you think about this new safety measure!
For more information on safe sex and how to stay protected, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html Risks of getting COVID-19 > Sexual Health and https://www.bchu.org/ServicesWeProvide/InfectiousDiseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx