People thrive engaging with one another.
According to Kristeen Cherney from Healthline, interpersonal relationships are able to improve one’s overall health and happiness. However, during a pandemic, interacting with others physically may not be so easy, especially in more intimate settings.
Elizabeth Boskey, Ph.D., from Very Well Health reports that, with state lockdowns being implemented in the United States, many people are experiencing complications being physically and sexually connected to one another due to the call for social distancing. Social distancing, according to Boskey, is being applied to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 – also known as the Coronavirus. However, because of social distancing, romantic partners who don’t live together may not be able to connect with one another. Likewise, those who are single and would like to date are unable to do so, due to social distancing, as stated by Jessica Migala from Health.
Furthermore, as said by Huma Farid, MD, from Harvard Health Publishing, those who live together and want to be sexually intimate have anxiety looming over them as they wonder if COVID-19 is able to be sexually transmitted. Danielle Renwick from the Guardian consulted with three experts on intimacy during a pandemic. Her article reported that COVID-19 has so far been seen as being spread through respiratory droplets, such as coughing or heavy breathing, and has not been seen as being sexually transmissive.
Therefore, for couples who want to be intimate, precautions must be taken to prevent or decrease infection, such as social distancing from others, being sanitary, and self-quarantining if symptoms of COVID-19 are apparent. Sexual self-pleasure has also been encouraged in regards to relieving sexual frustration.
The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged social distancing for the greater good. However, many eagerly look forward to its end.
References:
- https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/05/can-i-have-sex-a-guide-to-intimacy-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
- https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/sex-during-coronavirus-pandemic
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intimacy-sex-and-covid-19-2020041519550
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/sex-dating-covid-19-4800097
- https://www.healthline.com/health/interpersonal-relationships#relationship-importance