Safe sex during the pandemic

[George K]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-life-quarantine-self-pleasure-sexual-wellness-0420-20200421-butw7la5hfbe5lmlt6b7mv4sye-story.html

‘Masturbation will not spread COVID-19’: Solo sex is best option for pleasure during quarantine, especially if you live alone

Quarantining is hard as it is, but chances are it’s a bit tougher if you live alone.

For single people, who may have spent time searching for love pre-pandemic by going on dates, swiping on dating apps, or engaging in the occasional hook up, the stay-at-home order likely has ended their love and sex lives as they know it.

But that doesn’t mean sexual pleasure is over — it just looks different, like engaging in more masturbation.

At the end of March, the New York Health Department issued a guide to its residents about physical intimacy during the stay-at-home order, answering the ever-popular question, “Can you still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?” (We answered it for you a little while ago — don’t worry, it’s good news).

The guide gave residents “some tips for how to enjoy sex and to avoid spreading COVID-19,” essentially telling residents to either have sex with themselves or someone they live with.

“You are your safest sex partner,” the guide said. “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.”

There has been between a 30% to 100% increase in sex toy sales, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times, and as much as a 263% increase for one brand, based on reports from AdWeek.

Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed, a feminist sex shop in Andersonville, said her business has “definitely seen an increase in (the purchase of) masturbation toys” since the stay-at-home order was put in place.

[Copper]

@trib said>

Christen A. Johnson writes about relationships, style, family and African American life — particularly the joys, pains and nuances within black womanhood. A 2016 Northwestern University graduate, Christen earned her bachelor’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism, while competing as a Big Ten athlete on the women’s basketball team.