NYC Health have released a graphic new memo detailing the dos and don'ts of having sex during the coronavirus pandemic. And their to...
NYC Health have released a graphic new memo detailing the dos and don'ts of having sex during the coronavirus pandemic.
And their top piece of advice is to take matters into one's own hands while in lockdown - and to avoid orgies.
The NYC Department of Health issued a two-page memo Saturday listing its advice on how people can enjoy a healthy sex life while still protecting themselves from being infected with coronavirus.
The advice contained therein sent social media into a joke spiral, but also garnered praise from those who commended the document's inclusive nature.
The memo was posted on the city government agency's website just one day before the lockdown goes into effect for the 19million residents of New York State Sunday night.
The memo, titled 'Sex and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),' begins by stating: 'All New Yorkers should stay home and minimize contact with others to reduce the spread of COVID-19.'
Then, it goes on to posit the pertinent question on many home-bound New Yorkers' minds: 'But can you have sex?'
Instead of offering up a straight yes or no answer, NYC Health presents a variety of 'tips for how to enjoy sex and to avoid spreading COVID-19.'
After reminding readers about how the coronavirus is spread - 'through direct contact with their saliva or mucus' - the agency states that the virus has been found in the stool of people of have caught it, but 'not yet' in either seminal or vaginal fluid.
Keeping in line with the current social distancing advice and lengthy hand washing to prevent the spread of coronavirus, NYC Health says that when it comes to having sex, '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 memo reads.
Social media users were quick to make jokes about the sexual health memo's recommendations, but they also praised it for its inclusivity and range of issues covered
If going it alone isn't an option, the agency says that the second safest bet is having sex with someone you live with, as 'Having close contact — including sex — with only a small circle of people helps prevent spreading COVID-19.'
The agency urges people with sexual urges to avoid hopping in the sack with anyone outside their household, but that 'if you do have sex with others, have as few partners as possible.'
Sex workers or people who habitually meet their sex partners online are urged to consider 'taking a break from in-person dates' and using video dates, sexting or chat rooms as an alternative.
The agency then reminds readers that kissing is an easy way to catch or pass on coronavirus, due to the act's inherent transmission of saliva into mucus membranes.
'Avoid kissing anyone who is not part of your small circle of close contacts,' the agency says.
NYC Health then goes on to provide specific recommendations about how to protect oneself when participating in various oral or anal sex acts, recommending the use of condoms ad dental dams as a way to limit exposure to saliva or feces.
There is also a section in the memo devoted to properly disinfecting sex toys and touch screens used for video chats, watching pornography or 'anything else.'
The detailed information is being appreciated by readers.
'Whatever you do in your personal life is your own business, but maybe this is not a good time to be having orgies outside of the house and bringing it all home,' Brian Magallones, 45, told the New York Post.
Meanwhile, over on Twitter, the memo has sparked a variety of jokes and also good will.
'The city wants us to do our civic duty and masturbate,' wrote one tweeter.
'Choking the curve,' another tweeter commented.
'The government said SEND NUDEZ,' another tweeter joked.
Twitter users were also quick to praise the city for its willingness to discuss the topic and the inclusivity it demonstrated in the document.
'Kudos to New York State for again leading the way on this. I can’t think of another municipality that would both release something like this, and address issues that other governments would even be afraid to touch,' one person tweeted, adding, 'Like butt stuff.'
'This is excellent - factual, matter of fact, nonjudgmental,' tweeted another person.
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