Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Canada's Advice: Wear A Mask During Sex
Sex in a pandemic can be complicated, Canada's lead medical doctor says, and it's best to skip kissing and perhaps wear a mask to prevent spreading Covid-19. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, issued a public statement Wednesday on staying safe from the virus when engaging in sexual activities. (Sutton and Cullinane, 9/3)
Canada's top medical officer suggested that residents wear masks when having sex with a partner for the first time in a statement Wednesday. Reuters reported that Theresa Tam made the advisement along with other tips in a statement addressing how Canadians could minimize the risk of transmitting the virus during sexual encounters. 鈥淟ike other activities during COVID-19 that involve physical closeness, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of getting infected and spreading the virus,鈥 she reportedly said. (Bowden, 9/2)
In other relationship news 鈥
Divorce rates have spiked in the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic as couples have been stuck at home for months. The number of people looking for divorces was 34 percent higher from March through June compared to 2019, according to new data collected Legal Templates, a company that provides legal documents. (Rosner, 9/1)
Twenty-six-year-old Ivanna Agudo is trying to stay socially distant during the coronavirus pandemic. But she鈥檚 not afraid of catching聽the love bug. 鈥淗aving that buddy to kinda, you know, brave through the pandemic with and tackle the grocery store hassles and whatnot, is really important,鈥 said Agudo. Gone are the days of meeting potential partners at social events or through friends. In response, more people are turning to matchmakers and dating apps to find love. (Shirazi, 9/2)
A Pasadena-based company has launched a Kickstarter campaign to unveil its new clear COVID-19 mask, designed to allow wearers to share a smile while still staying protected from聽the聽pandemic. ClearlyHuman鈥檚 REVEAL mask allows facial expressions to be seen through the mask, which includes N95-level filtration, the company said in a聽written聽statement. 鈥淩EVEAL highlights the facial gestures and micro-expressions that connect us 鈥 the joyful hello of a smile, the romance of blowing a kiss, and the subtle difference between seriousness and sarcasm,鈥 according to聽the聽statement. (Day, 9/2)