• Healthcare

  'Have sex online' to limit spread of virus, advises the Irish HSE

  Posted by Nigel Brown on 3 August 2020 at 3:47 pm

  Young people are being asked to choose having sex online or over the phone to stop the spread of Covid-19.

  The new advice is designed to stop people having sex if they don’t live together, if possible.

  It says people should consider masturbating or having ‘phone sex’ or ‘internet sex’ to avoid close contact as the country continues to battle against the spread of the coronavirus.

  The new information campaign from the HSE and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) also said people should be washing their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after sex.

  In a letter to pharmacies this weekend, the HSE’s safe sex and crisis pregnancy programme, and the IPU, said that “while sexual health may not be a primary healthcare focus in the current environment, as restrictions ease there is a strong possibility that heightened sexual risk-taking will occur and people’s sexual health and wellbeing will be affected.

  “Young adults, in particular, are affected by crisis pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and are more likely to engage in sexual activity with more than one partner.

  “It is very important that accurate and trustworthy information is freely available to inform sexual health decision-making, particularly during the pandemic,” the letter said.

  There has been a renewed increase in the role that young people play in the spread of Covid-19 as lockdown restrictions were eased in recent weeks.

  Because they are less likely to experience serious symptoms, there has been criticism from some quarters about a lack of social distancing and the organising of house parties and other social events among young people.

  However, there has been a rise in cases among younger people as restrictions were eased, including in the 25-44 age group.

  The new information campaign, which is aimed at sending young people into pharmacies for advice and information, is called ‘Play It Safe!’

  Leaflets which will be available in pharmacies include advice on how to reduce Covid-19 being spread through sexual activity.

  People are being informed that they should “only be sexually active with a partner living in your household”.

  “If you decide to be sexually active with someone living outside of your household, limit it to as few partners as possible, preferably one regular partner,” the leaflet said.

  It added: “Consider masturbation or remote sexual activity (eg, online) as alternative to physical sexual activity with others.”

  Couples are being told to avoid sexual activity, especially kissing, if their partner is displaying any Covid-19 symptoms.

  The new HSE advice also tells people to “wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sexual activity”.

  The HSE stated that having sex does include a risk of spreading Covid-19, and following the advice in the new information campaign could also reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

  The HSE and the IPU will also be using social media to encourage young people to talk to their pharmacist if they have any concerns or questions regarding their sexual health.

  The new leaflet also includes information on contraception, including emergency contraception, and PrEP and PEP: drugs which stop HIV transmission and infection respectively.

  It also includes information about the importance of sexual consent.

  The leaflets will be available in pharmacies as part of “sexual health protection packs”, which also include a free promotional condom.

  It appears not only are governments wanting to control your civil liberties, they now wish to control your sex life in Ireland. Are governments now acting like communist dictatorships and religious zealots or really acting to protect people?

  

  Nigel Brown replied 4 years, 2 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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