New Yorkers encouraged to wear masks while having sex to stop spreading coronavirus
The New York City Health Department has encouraged people to wear masks while having sex to stop the spread of coronavirus.
According to guidelines from the city, New Yorkers should try to stay home and have minimal contact with other people, but officials accept they "will and should have sex".
Whether coronavirus spreads through sex has not been closely looked at by scientists, but some believe it could be sexually transmitted.
However, because the virus definitely spreads through breathing in close proximity to others, health officials suggest that wearing masks in the bedroom should be considered.
"Make it a little kinky," the New York health department guidelines said. "Be creative with sexual positions and physical barriers, like walls, that allow sexual contact while preventing close face-to-face contact."
The guidelines also said that "you are your safest sex partner".
Officials said those engaging in sex with a new partner should have a discussion with them first about whether they could have recently contracted the virus.
For those seeking sex on the internet they advised "sexy Zoom parties" instead of arranging in-person meetings.
People having sex with new partners should get tested for coronavirus five to seven days later, according to the guidelines.
New Yorkers were also reminded that if they have developed antibodies, that does not lead to them being immune forever.
The guidelines follow a study published by three Harvard physicians in the Annals of Internal Medicine. It found that, while abstinence was the best way to protect against the virus, it could also have "dangerous" implications.
There might be "insidious psychological effects at a time when people are especially susceptible to mental health difficulties".
Dr Jack Turban, the lead author of the study and resident at Harvard Medical School, said: “History has taught us that abstinence-only recommendations do not work, and they result in poor health outcomes.
"Given the important role of sexuality in most people’s lives, healthcare providers should consider counselling patients on this topic whenever possible.
"Facilitating brief conversations and referrals to relevant resources can help patients maintain sexual wellness amid the pandemic.”
Alex Keuroghlian, study co-author, said: "We are constantly learning more about how this virus is transmitted, what protection positive antibody tests may imply, and how to best counsel patients."
