Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


NY City Offers Guidelines for Lovers in the Age of Coronavirus

Margaret Besheer

   NEW YORK - With 8.6 million residents cooped up at home indefinitely,
   New York City's health department has offered graphic guidance on safe
   sex practices during the coronavirus pandemic.

   "You are your safest sex partner," the 2-page document says. It then
   encourages individuals to wash their hands and any pleasure devices
   they may use.

   The city advises that other than masturbation, "the next safest partner
   is someone you live with." But urges you to "skip sex if you or your
   partner is not feeling well."

   Health officials warn that kissing -- which involves saliva -- can
   quickly spread COVID-19, the respiratory infection caused by the new
   coronavirus, but it has not yet been found in other bodily fluids
   associated with sex.

   "We know that other coronaviruses do not efficiently transmit through
   sex," the guidance says. SARS and MERS are examples of two earlier
   coronaviruses.

   New York State is leading the United States with virus cases, with more
   than 10,300 as of Saturday. More than 8,000 are in the densely
   populated city.

.