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Netherlands: Dutch singletons advised to seek ‘sex buddy’

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The Dutch government has issued new guidance to single people seeking intimacy during the pandemic, advising them to find a "sex buddy".

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) says singletons should come to an arrangement with one other person. But pairings should avoid sex if one of them suspects they have coronavirus, the advice says. The guidance comes after critics said there was no sex advice for singles.

Social-distancing measures have been in place in the Netherlands since 23 March, when the government imposed what it called an "intelligent" or "targeted" lockdown. The rules were far less strict than those of the country's neighbours, permitting small gatherings of people if social distancing was observed. But in guidance published on 14 May, the RIVM said "it makes sense that as a single [person] you also want to have physical contact" during the pandemic. Read more via BBC

Advice for the home

Advice on sexuality for (young) adults and the elderly:

1. The 1.5 meter rule allows you to have sex only with your regular partner

Sex with your regular partner is possible, if you want both. After all, you are already very close and it is practically impossible to avoid each other physically. Don't have sex with your partner if they have been isolated because of (suspected) coronavirus infection. Sex with yourself or with others at a distance is possible (think of telling erotic stories, masturbating together).

For more information about sex and the coronavirus, visit:

Soaaids.nl: Questions and Answers on Coronavirus, Sex and STD Sexually transmitted diseases ’s

 

2. Not a permanent partner? Make good agreements and limit the risk of the coronavirus

It makes sense that as a single you also want to have physical contact. It is extra important that you minimize the risk of the coronavirus during intimacy and sex. Discuss how best to do this together. Please observe the rules surrounding the new corona virus.

For more information about sex and the coronavirus, visit:

  • Soaaids.nl: Questions and Answers on Coronavirus, Sex and STDs

  • Rutgers.nl: advice on sexual health in times of corona

 

3. You can always contact your doctor about STIs, contraception, unintended pregnancy or sexual violence

Young people and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25 can look at www.sense.infofor questions about sexuality, contraception, STD or pregnancy. There are temporarily fewer, and in some regions none, Sense office hours for young people. The chat and information line are also sometimes less staffed. You can always contact the doctor. 

For more information about sex, visit:

 

4. The pill is less reliable in case of vomiting or diarrhea 

Know that the contraceptive pill for vomiting and diarrhea is less reliable. It is then advisable to take the pill again or to consult with your doctor. Do you want to start using or change birth control? If you cannot go to the doctor, you can also make an appointment for a telephone contraception consultation. 

For more information about the contraceptive pill, visit:

See more via Netherlands