Coronavirus tips: New York health agency gives sex advice

"I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps"

Frank Sinatra's wish has become a utopia these days. New York City stands still. Times Square and Broadway are almost empty. After the city asked its citizens to stay at home a few days ago, life in the metropolis has come to a standstill, as a report from the "New York Times" shows.

The corona virus put New York to bed. "Social Distancing" is the motto here as well to curb the spread of Covid-19. For this reason, only shops that are considered indispensable have opened since Sunday: pharmacies, supermarkets and banks. The largest city in the United States is resisting the spread of the virus. And by all means: Last Saturday, New York's "Department of Health" even published a manual that answers all important questions about sex related to the corona virus.

Coronavirus tips: New York health agency becomes sex advisor

"Sex and Coronavirus Disease 2019" is the name of the guide. In it, the city's health authority clarifies in superordinate points what you should pay attention to during sex so that you do not become infected with the virus.

Point 1: How Covid-19 spreads

Since it is a droplet infection, the virus is transmitted via body fluids such as saliva or mucus. It could already be detected in the feces of infected people, but not in sperm or vaginal fluid.

Point 2: Who you should have sex with

The "Department of Health" advises to have sex with "people close to you". But you are still the safest sex partner. In other words, masturbation is safer than sexual intercourse – provided you wash your hands (and your sex toys) with soap and water beforehand. In second place comes the person you live with. Otherwise, the city advises against having closer contact (including sex) with people outside of his household.

Point 3: precautions during sex

By kissing, the virus is transmitted very easily, so you should only smooch around with people in your immediate environment. Condoms are still a safe protection against Covid-19. In addition, you should clean everything with soap and water before and after sexual intercourse. In addition, the city's health authority strongly warns against rim jobs (licking the anus), since faeces can also transmit the virus.

Point 4: When it is better not to have sex

If the partner does not feel well or has typical symptoms of the coronavirus, then kisses and sex should be avoided – especially if the partner or yourself has a pre-existing condition that could lead to a severe course of Covid-19.

Netz makes fun of tips

The tips provide amusement online. Many find the suggestions bizarre – especially point two: "So the city wants us to masturbate so that we can fulfill our duty as citizens," writes one user, amused. But some users find the warning about rim jobs more than bizarre. "I can't get myself laughing anymore," writes a woman.

In its information document, the health authority again points out that the recommendations could change at any time. So maybe it won't be the last sex tips in the corona crisis.

swell: "New York Times" / "New York Post" / New York State Department of Health

This article was originally published on stern.de.