Dr. Tam: “Consider using a mask” during sex

After B.C. public health director Bonnie Henry made international news last month for recommending glory holes for safe sex during the pandemic, her federal counterpart Dr. Theresa Tam is racking up headlines by advising Canadians (particularly those with partners who don’t live in their household) to use a mask during sex.

“Sexual health is an important part of our overall health,” she said yesterday. “However, 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.”

As has always been the case (before COVID and since the beginning of time), the safest sex “involves yourself alone,” Tam said. She noted that more sexually people should avoid “face-to-face contact or closeness” during sex, or “consider using a mask that covers the nose and mouth.”

1/5 Current evidence indicates there is a very low likelihood of contracting #COVID19 through semen or vaginal fluids. But, sexual activity with new partners does increase your risk of infection/spreading by close contact, like kissing.

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

3/5 Even if people don’t have symptoms of #COVID19, they could still be infected and contagious. If engaging in an in-person sexual encounter with someone outside of your close contacts bubble, you can take steps to reduce the risks.https://t.co/rQ0bxfIljW https://t.co/xZdbpAe03d

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

5/5 By taking these precautions and staying conscious of the risks we assume, Canadians can find ways to enjoy physical intimacy while safeguarding the progress we have all made to bring #COVID19 under manageable control.

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

For more COVID-19 information from the government of Canada, please visit the federal pandemic portal.

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