Dr. Tam suggests Canadians wear a mask while having sex

In July, most British Columbians were caught a bit off guard by the suggestion that they should utilize glory holes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

That came from the BC Centre for Disease Control, but now Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer has made an equally interesting suggestion.

In a written statement today, Dr. Theresa Tam suggested that people should consider using a mask that covers the nose and mouth while engaging in sexual activity.

1/3 #COVID19 key concerns in 🇨🇦: Today, in lieu of a daily in-person update to the media, I have issued a Wednesday statement on sexual health during COVID-19, an important part of our overall health and wellbeing. Read in full here: https://t.co/4OMbXChJcI

— Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) September 2, 2020

“Sex can be complicated in the time of COVID-19, especially for those without an intimate partner in their household or whose sexual partner is at higher risk for COVID-19,” the statement said.

“If you choose to engage in an in-person sexual encounter with someone outside of your household or close contacts bubble, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.”

Those steps include:

• Monitoring yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 and not having sex if you or your partner is experiencing symptoms.
• Limiting your use of alcohol and other substances so you and your partner(s) are able to make safe decisions.
• Skipping kissing and avoiding face-to-face contact or closeness.
  • Consider using a mask that covers the nose and mouth.
• Being aware if you or your partner may be at higher risk for more severe outcomes of COVID-19. This includes:
  • People of any age with underlying medical conditions.
  • People with compromised immune systems.
  • People living with obesity.
• As usual, engaging in safer sex practices, including using condoms, knowing your own STI status and the status of your partner.
  

“Current evidence indicates there is a very low likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus through semen or vaginal fluids,” the statement continues.

“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.”

Like all social interactions in general, people are encouraged to keep their number of sexual contacts low to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Canada has reported 129,425 total cases of COVID-19 and 9,132 deaths.