NYC Health Department Encourages People To 'Get Kinky' With Sex To Help Stop Spread Of Virus

An official health guide for New Yorkers has encouraged them to get 'creative' when having sex during the pandemic, even suggesting they incorporate physical barriers 'like walls'.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene published a 'Safer Sex and Covid-19' guide, hoping to help residents 'enjoy safer sex' while also reducing the risk of spreading the deadly virus.

But while you'd probably assume official advice would be fairly conservative, this guide surprised many people with its slightly unexpected approach - having even urged sexual partners to make things 'kinky'.

"Sex is a normal part of life and should always be with the consent of all parties," the guide begins.

"This document offers strategies to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 during sex.

"Decisions about sex and sexuality need to be balanced with personal and public health. During this extended public health emergency, people will and should have sex.

"Consider using harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk to yourself, your partners, and our community."

The health department then lists various ways in which consenting partners can reduce their risk of spreading coronavirus, suggesting they wear a face mask or covering and 'avoid kissing' if someone's not part of their small circle of close contacts.

"Make it a little kinky," the department says.

"Be creative with sexual positions and physical barriers, like walls, that allow sexual contact while preventing close face to face contact."

Some Twitter users seemed fairly taken aback by the official guidelines, with one person writing: "I am filing this one away as 'NYC Health Dept says use 'gloryholes'."

Another added: "A glory hole, that's what NYC health officials suggested."

The guide continues: "Video dates, sexting, subscription-based fan platforms, sexy 'Zoom parties' or chat rooms may be options for you."

It also reminds New Yorkers that 'you are your safest partner', saying: "Masturbation will not spread Covid-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex."

It adds: "If two is company then three (or more) is definitely a crowd. Large gatherings of any type are not safe during Covid-19. Close contact with multiple people should be avoided."

PA

However, if you do decide to 'find a crowd' the health department recommends limiting the size of your guest list to keep things 'intimate', and to go with a consistent sex partner.

"Pick larger, more open, and well-ventilated spaces," it adds.

"Wear a face covering, avoid kissing, and do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

"Bring an alcohol-based hand sanitizer."

The health department also says to 'skip sex' if you or your partner aren't feeling well, and to avoid kissing, sex or any close contact with others.

Read the guide in full here, but remember that these are only the official guidelines for New York right now.

Topics: News, Sex, Coronavirus, US News, New York

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman