Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Canada's Advice: Wear A Mask During Sex
CNN: Wear A Mask During Sex And Avoid Kissing New People, Canada's Top Doctor Advises
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)
The Hill: Canada's Chief Medical Officer Suggests Wearing Mask During Sex With New Partners
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. “Like 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,” she reportedly said. (Bowden, 9/2)
In other relationship news —
New York Post: Divorce Rates Skyrocket In U.S. Amid COVID-19
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)
Fox News: Finding Love During The Coronavirus Pandemic: Daters Using Apps, Matchmakers To Facilitate Safer Meetups
Twenty-six-year-old Ivanna Agudo is trying to stay socially distant during the coronavirus pandemic. But she’s not afraid of catching the love bug. “Having that buddy to kinda, you know, brave through the pandemic with and tackle the grocery store hassles and whatnot, is really important,” 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)
Pasadena Now: Pasadena Company Launches Clear COVID-19 Masks To “Restore Some Humanity In These Crazy Times”
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 the pandemic. ClearlyHuman’s REVEAL mask allows facial expressions to be seen through the mask, which includes N95-level filtration, the company said in a written statement. “REVEAL highlights the facial gestures and micro-expressions that connect us — the joyful hello of a smile, the romance of blowing a kiss, and the subtle difference between seriousness and sarcasm,” according to the statement. (Day, 9/2)
