US Health Authorities Issue Guidelines On Having Sex During Pandemic, The Results Are Not So Exciting

Photo illustration (Cyrus Crossan / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - During the COVID-19 period, many things were avoided to suppress the spread of the virus, one of which was not physical contact. But what about sex? The New York Department of Health, United States (US) recently issued guidelines that can ward off concerns about sexual activity. How is safe sex in the midst of a pandemic.

New York MOH guidelines still urge people to stay home and minimize contact with other people as much as possible. These guidelines also emphasize the amount of desire to have sex when the couple has to stay at home.

Reported by CNN, Wednesday, June 10, the guidelines were made to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. The guidelines have been updated regularly to reflect changing understanding of disease. The transmissibility of COVID-19 through sex has not been thoroughly studied.

Scientists have found the coronavirus in men's feces and semen, even after men have recovered from COVID-19. This means there is a possibility that the virus can be transmitted sexually. However, this is not well known. Some scientists also think that's impossible.

However, according to the New York Department of Health, the corona virus is not easily spread through sexual contact. This is because scientists know the corona virus is a respiratory disease that is transmitted from droplets.

However, there is another debate. Because COVID-19 can be spread through saliva, the health department suggests people may need to wear a face mask or mask when having sex. What's worse, the guidelines suggest couples masturbate together.

"Be creative with sexual positions and minimize physical contact, such as with a wall, which allows sexual contact while preventing face-to-face contact. Or people can masturbate together and maintain a physical distance," the guideline says.

The New York Department of Health also reminds the public that "you are your own safest sex partner." The next safest option is to only have sex with your household partner. However, if there is an interest in having sex with someone outside the household, these guidelines recommend choosing a partner who is trusted to talk about risk factors for COVID-19 and other safe sex topics.

Maintain sex with two people because "large gatherings of any kind are not safe during COVID-19." If someone wants to "get together" for sex, choose a space that is larger, more open and well-ventilated. Don't forget to wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer.

For those who wish to have sex outside of their circle of contact, the guidelines suggest checking themselves for symptoms and being tested for COVID-19 every month. They must return to the test for COVID-19 within five to seven days of having sex.

Also, take precautions when interacting with people who are at risk of developing severe disease. People who are over 65 years old or people with serious medical conditions need to be more careful.

The Ministry of Health also warns that having antibodies to the virus or a previous positive diagnosis does not mean they will be immune to the disease. The guidelines still advise people to be careful in making decisions about who they will have sex with.

The New York MOH isn't the only one pushing people to take precautions during the pandemic. Washington DC guidelines emphasize sex only when both parties feel good hand hygiene and sex toys. Oregon uses graphics to get its point. San Francisco advises people to limit sex to their "main partner."