NYC Health Department Suggests 'Kinky' Safe Sex Guidelines Amid COVID-19

New York City's Department of Health updated its guidelines Monday (June 8) for practicing safe sex in the time of COVID-19, but it set off intriguing reactions online for its "kinky" suggestions.

The guidelines are supposed to help prevent coronavirus transmissions during sexual encounters. While the Health Department proposed wearing face masks as an added layer of protection or using hand sanitizers for group sex, it also promoted "sexy Zoom parties" and video dates for couples while practicing physical distancing.

“Make it a little kinky,” one of the suggestions read. "Be creative with sexual positions and physical barriers, like walls, that allow sexual contact while preventing close face to face contact.”

The guidelines also suggested for sexual partners to monitor each other closely if they develop symptoms of COVID-19. For their peace of mind and safety, they might also want to consider getting a swab test on a “frequent basis” if they regularly engage in sex.

NYC's Health Department also announced it will make free home deliveries of condoms, lubes and HIV test kits. Bureau of HIV commissioner Dr. Oni Blackstock said this will give residents "access sexual health services from the comfort and safety of their own homes" and they may make a request online.

Meanwhile, health experts are still studying if COVID-19 may spread during intercourse. However, a study published in the JAMA journal found traces of the coronavirus in the semen in 16% of 38 male patients in China.

"Even if the virus cannot replicate in the male reproductive system, it may persist, possibly resulting from the privileged immunity of testes," the study authors wrote in their findings. "If it could be proved that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted sexually in future studies, sexual transmission might be a critical part of the prevention of transmission."

Thus, condom use or abstinence from sex may be considered as preventive measures against COVID-19.