Sign in News Sport Reel Worklife Travel Future More Search

Home US Election Coronavirus Video World UK Business Tech Science Stories Entertainment & Arts More

Newsbeat

Sex and coronavirus: What are the rules? Top Stories

23 September 2020 Share Two officers shot during Breonna Taylor protests Coronavirus pandemic Anger erupted over a decision to charge no-one with killing the unarmed black woman shot by police. 23 minutes ago

Trump won't commit to peaceful transfer of power

3 hours ago

North Korea 'killed and burned S Korean official'

1 hour ago

Features

GETTY IMAGES

Couples who don't live together can now meet up for sex after changes to the coronavirus restrictions in England - but casual sex is still banned. Prince's Sign 'O' The Times: The The guidance applies to "established" relationships, though it's not clear what troubled making of a masterpiece counts as established.

And the rules differ depending on where you are.

In local lockdown areas like Birmingham or much of Greater Manchester, social visits from people outside your household or support bubble are banned.

Household visits are not allowed in Scotland, but couples not living together are  exempt. ‘Acts of kindness can help save In Wales, you can form an extended household, which means you're allowed to lives’ meet indoors and have physical contact.

Staying safe

The Terrence Higgins Trust published advice in August suggesting people avoid kissing, wear a face covering and choose positions that aren't face-to-face during sex. 'I've been accused of kidnapping They say their advice hasn't changed much since then. my white child'

"Your best sexual partner during the COVID-19 pandemic is yourself or someone within your household and you should follow the Government guidelines about social distancing, hand washing and face coverings.

"However, it's unrealistic to ask everyone to abstain from sex indefinitely, whether in 'established' relationships or not," the trust says.

Masturbation, sex toys or having phone or online sex are recommended as the safest options. How Navalny's team found Novichok bottle evidence If you are having sex with people outside of your household, it's important to limit the number of partners, it says.

Like with everything at the moment, be aware of any Covid-19 symptoms you or your partner might have - and isolate if you have them.

If you are meeting someone new, the charity says to ask if they or anyone in their household have had symptoms or tested positive. The pandemic is fuelling a surfing Does the virus spread through sex? boom - in Ohio

The virus can spread through saliva, mucus or the breath of those who have it, along with contact with hard surfaces.

"If you are going to touch each other's genitals it's likely that you will potentially be kissing at the same time - and we know the virus is passed through saliva," Dr Alex George told Radio 1 in March.

Dr Alex is an A&E doctor and former Love Island contestant and says "any BBC Travel: An 8,000km possibility of transfer of coronavirus - from your mouth to your hands, to genitals, to underwater forest someone else's nose or mouth" increases the risk of passing on coronavirus.

How much gold is there left to mine in the world?

Chinese TV show accused of That's why the Trust recommends not kissing, wearing a face mask during sex and ‘erasing women’ in virus fight favouring positions where you're not face-to-face.

It adds the virus has been found in semen and poo, which is why you should use condoms and dams for oral sex to minimise risk.

And given we're supposed to be doing it after most things - washing your hands for more than 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser before and after sex is recommended. Genocide orphan's 'miracle' WhatsApp reunion You might also like:

Coronavirus and sex: What you need to know Elsewhere on the BBC

The great housemate sex dilemma Lyrics quiz

Making relationships work during coronavirus Have you been getting these songs wrong?

Feeling hot All of this is not to say you should forget about your sexual health in general. What happens to your body in extreme heat? The charity says it's important to get tested for sexually transmitted infections before starting to have sex again.

"Lockdown has meant that most people have had fewer sexual partners, if any at Most Read all, and now is the perfect time to be sure you don't have an STI and to know what your HIV status is," it says. US election: Trump won't 1 commit to peaceful transfer of power

Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid 2 welcome baby girl

Covid-19: Sunak set to unveil 3 emergency jobs scheme

Breonna Taylor: Two officers 4 shot during Louisville protests

Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. North Korea 'killed and burned 5 South Korean official' Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. Flu jabs limited due to high 6 demand Related Topics NHS Covid-19 app: England 7 and Wales get smartphone Life Relationships Coronavirus lockdown measures Coronavirus pandemic contact tracing for over-16s

Sexually transmitted diseases Sex Male domestic abuse victims 8 'sleeping in cars and tents'

Britain's Got Talent: Powys man 9 calls police to complain Share this story About sharing Newspaper headlines: 10 Chancellor's 'jobs lifeline to save economy'

More on this story

Coronavirus and sex: What you need to know 30 March 2020

Covid rules: What are the new coronavirus restrictions? 23 September 2020

Coronavirus: Making relationships work during lockdown 9 May 2020 Newsbeat

Coronavirus: Six months MistaJam to leave Radio 1 'A stitch in time saves nine' - since lockdown began after 15 years what does it mean?

23 September 2020 23 September 2020 23 September 2020 Newsbeat Newsbeat Newsbeat

Why you can trust BBC News

BBC News Services

On your mobile On smart speakers Get news alerts Contact BBC News

Explore the BBC

Home News Sport Reel Worklife Travel

Future Culture Music TV Weather Sounds

Terms of Use About the BBC Privacy Policy Cookies Accessibility Help Parental Guidance Contact the BBC Get Personalised Newsletters

Advertise with us AdChoices / Do Not Sell My Info

Copyright © 2020 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.