Last year in the United States, the New York City Department of Health issued a striking recommendation amid COVID-19 fears: for those worried about transmission during sex, opt for masturbation. In an era of strained romantic connections, this guidance reminds us that, personally, we are our most dependable partners.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted nearly every facet of life, including romantic relationships whether you're in a couple or single. Lockdowns, curfews, and travel restrictions have taken a toll on intimacy. Remote work has compounded issues—recent studies indicate that using the bedroom for work harms both sleep quality and sexual health.
Shortly after the outbreak hit the U.S. about a year ago, the New York Health Department offered this unexpected advice. As the New York Daily News reported in late March 2020, they urged people to embrace masturbation—a recommendation that was entirely serious.
Worldwide, coronavirus fears gripped millions, with social distancing ignoring basic human needs like sex and sparking contamination concerns. The agency's slogan captured it perfectly: "You are your safest sex partner." The goal was to sustain sexual well-being without risk, including for separated couples through video calls and surging sales of sex toys. Masturbation emerged—and still stands—as the safest choice amid persistent challenges.
Singles faced even steeper hurdles with bars and clubs shuttered and curfews ongoing, such as in France where the Alpes-Maritimes prefect recently imposed weekend lockdowns along the coast. While tests are now widely available and vaccination campaigns advance, allowing some couples brief respites, vigilance remains essential. Singles must follow guidelines while patiently navigating these restrictions.
