Netizens have weighed in on the advice offered by Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, to skip kissing and wear a mask when having sex to avoid catching COVID-19.
The medical officer emphasized on Wednesday that amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, maintaining social distancing remains the lowest risk sexual option, adding there was little chance of catching the respiratory virus from semen or vaginal fluid.
“Like other activities during COVID-19 that involve physical closeness, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of getting infected and spreading the virus,” said Tam.
Acknowledging that sexual health was an important part of overall health that must not be overlooked, the medical officer suggested people invest in masks to cover their mouth and nose, check themselves and their partner for symptoms, but better still – opt for the solo variant.
“The lowest risk sexual activity during COVID-19 involves yourself alone,” she added.
The advice sparked a frenzy of activity on social media, with some quite eager to explore the novelty of mask-wearing during sex.
Others netizens allowed their imaginations to run wild.
Some wondered what had given the doctor the idea in the first place.
Others on social media indulged in a meme fest.