As the world continues to be wrapped in the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more then 867,000 lives and infecting over 26 million people worldwide, sex has become a complication for a majority of the couples across the globe. However, there are ways to navigate around in a safe manner, according to Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, who has advised to skip kissing, while insisting on wearing a mask during sexual activities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"Sexual health is an important part of our overall health. However, sex can be complicated in the time of Covid-19..." Tam advises, while stressing that the risks were increasing for partners engaging sexually with people outside their household. She added, "The lowest risk sexual activity during Covid-19 involves yourself alone,". For Canadians, who "engage in an in-person sexual encounter" outside their bubble, she offered a number of suggestions in order to lower the risks, which also includes "avoiding face-to-face contact or closeness."
Among the priorities partners must consider are first forging a trusting relationship and also consider wearing a mask that covers both the nose and mouth, Tam states. "Current evidence indicates there is a very low likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus through semen or vaginal fluids. However, even if the people involved do not have symptoms, sexual activity with new partners does increase your risk of getting or passing Covid-19 through close contact, like kissing," she stated.
Tam also asserted that sex should be avoided in case the other person shows COVID-19 symptoms, while suggesting to "limiting your use of alcohol and other substances so you and your partner(s) are able to make safe decisions." She also echoed the common health advice of practising safe sex using condoms and knowing the sexually transmitted infections (STI) status of oneself and their partner. "By taking these precautions and staying conscious of the risks we assume, Canadians can find ways to enjoy physical intimacy while safeguarding the progress we have all made containing Covid-19," Dr. Tam concluded her statement.
Canada has recorded more than 129,000 positive coronavirus cases, with 9,135 casualties linked to the disease, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.