Back in April of 2020, the Oregon Health Authority put out some advice for daters in the time of COVID: “You are your safest sex partner.”
It’s hard to remember back that far, to one million years ago or a year and a half, depending on how time works. But back then, it seemed like this would be just a few weeks of self-fulfillment and then it would be right back out there, to the apps, to the bars, swapping fluids willy-nilly with whoever was cutest and most-available.
What innocents we were then, with such limited imaginations.
For people who want to date but are also somewhat responsible, it has been a long, hard 18 months of pandemic behavior. But now, OHA has a new message: If you’re vaccinated, and your date is vaccinated, and you both are generally being safe otherwise, get intimate!
OHA’s dating advice really isn’t too wild. In fact, it’s the same advice all the experts keep giving everyone, even people who aren’t looking for new kissing partners -- get vaccinated, wear a mask in crowded spaces, don’t go anywhere or do anything if you have any symptoms of any illness.
The main thing? Get vaccinated so you don’t die of a preventable illness.
And if you’re going to have sex with a new friend and don’t want a whole host of other preventable conditions, including pregnancy, wear a condom. That’s the kind of advice OHA probably would love to get back into the business of giving full-time.
Oregon Health Authority infographic on dating during COVID.
-- Lizzy Acker
503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker