The virus that causes Coronavirus spreads from mucus, infected saliva or respiratory particles being inhaled or entering the mouth, nose or eyes.

Experts advise that the most efficient way to reduce the spread of the virus is to limit in-person interactions to as fewer people as possible this includes sexual partners.

However, if you are intent on starting a new relationship or having sex there are precautions that need to be taken to ensure you stay well and also that you do not infect any potential partner.

The inherent risks of dating and meeting someone new in this time might seem challenging, however according to the Terence Higgins Trust, a British charity that focuses on HIV services and sexual health awareness and education there are 3 simple steps you can follow to to partake in safe sex with someone you don’t already have a relationship with during the pandemic.

Step 1

Limit your contact with other people.

“As with returning to the workplace, going food shopping, or getting a long-awaited haircut, our ‘new normal’ involves following government advice, being aware of the COVID-19 risk to ourselves and others and making decisions based on that – and the same applies to sex,” they advised. Right now is really not the time to be seeking out a partner and throwing yourself back into the dating world.

“Your bests sexual partner during the COVID-19 pandemic is yourself or someone within your household and you should follow the government guidelines about social distancing, hand washing and face coverings,” the experts from Terrence Higgins Trust have stated.

Masturbation and sexual toys should be more utilized during this period. “The next safest option is consensual sex with a sexual partner within your household,” they advise.

However if you embark on a sexual encounter with someone new you should heed Step 2

Step 2

Avoid face-to-face situations

Doesn’t sound or look particularly romantic however scientists have discovered and confirmed that coronavirus is most likely to be expelled and spread from particles coming from the mouth when you breathe, cough, sneeze or talk.

Although it is not the stuff that sexy liaisons are made of they advise on, “Not kissing, wearing a facemark during sex, and favoring position where you’re not face-to-face … and using condoms… will further reduce the risk.”

Terence Higgins Trust also advises that it is also important to not forget to take the regular COVID precautions.

“Washing your hands for more than 20 seconds (or using hand sanitizer) before or after sex will also reduce the risk.”

Make sure before you become intimate with a new partner that you follow Step 3 and discuss the terms of your relationship and have the same ideals so that you can not only enjoy your time together but also stay well.

Step 3

Before you embark on a new relationship have “the talk.”

“If you are having sex with someone new, it’s important to talk to them about COVID-19 and manage the risk together,” the experts advised.

“Ask them if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or had any in the previous two weeks and the same for anyone in their household.”

And Terrence Higgins Trust says to always follow your common sense and not just your lust.

The most important point is:

“If you or your partner are feeling unwell, don’t have sex,” they stated.