Glory holes are the safest way to have sex during a pandemic (BC CDC)

We’ve all had to endure some unusual abnormalities since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Including in the bedroom.

If you follow the advice of the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, that is.

A few weeks ago, the BC CDC published an aptly titled document titled ‘COVID-19 and Sex’. In it, the province’s public health arm makes a host of recommendations on how to most safely fornicate with COVID-19 looming.

First things first: “If you’re feeling fine and have no symptoms of COVID-19, you can still have sex. If you’re feeling sick, skip sex.” Feeling fine? Great, let’s move on.

If you plan to have sex with a partner (tip: “masturbation by yourself – solo sex – will not spread COVID-19”), here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Ask your partner(s) if they’re feeling unwell or have any  symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Consider keeping contact information for your partner(s) so that you can reach them if one of you develops symptoms.
  • Before and after sex:
    • Wash your body with soap and water.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Wash sex toys thoroughly per the manufacturer’s instructions. Most, but not all, can be cleaned with mild unscented soap and water. Do not share them with multiple partners.
  • Wear a face covering or mask. Heavy breathing during sex can create more droplets that may transmit COVID-19.
  • Avoid or limit kissing and saliva exchange.
  • Choose sexual positions that limit face-to-face contact.
  • Use barriers, like walls (e.g., glory holes), that allow for sexual contact but prevent close face-to-face contact.
  • Using condoms, lubricant, and dental dams may help to further reduce the chances by minimizing contact with saliva, semen, feces, blood and/or internal genitalia/vaginal fluids during sex.

In case you missed it, it says “glory holes” up there. Incredible. What a world. Juvenile snickers aside, safe sex is important always and especially now – there’s probably something you can learn here.

You can check the full guidelines here.