Finding love in the time of quarantine wasn’t impossible. I did it. Zoom, FaceTime, and old-fashioned texting made it feasible to maintain intimacy during lockdowns. But, as emergency protocols are loosening around the world and the threat of a second wave arises, the prospect of making love in the time of corona is a substantial obstacle to consider.
Here’s how to keep safe and stay sexy with these pro-tips.
DISCLAIMER: This advice is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Always seek medical advice that is specific to you and your situation when considering the consumption of cannabis.

Communication and consent
- Are you comfortable meeting in person or would you rather connect online (e.g. via video chat)?
- How do you feel about meeting inside versus outside?
- Do you want to physically distance and/or wear masks?
- With whom have you been in contact? Consider friends, family, professionals (e.g. chiropractor, dentist), neighbours, etc.
- How do you feel about physical affection? Are you comfortable with kissing, hugging, making out, having different types of sex, etc.?”

Get tested
Not just STD and STI tested (though that should be on each other’s checklist) and as O’Reilly says, “Getting tested is an important component of safer sex, as many STIs are asymptomatic. If you get tested yourself, it can be easier to start this conversation.” But, COVID tested before engaging in sexual activity.
Just note that a negative test may still be a "false negative" if you test too early or if the swab didn't reach the right area.
Solo play the night away (with your new flame)

Or try solo play online

Take advantage of modern technology and use interactive sex toys

Use a tried and true method: phone sex
“You can talk about: what you’ve done in the past, what you’re doing right now, what you want to do in the future, your most exciting sexual memories, your hottest sexual fantasies, fantasies that you may not want to explore in real life, but turn you on nonetheless,” suggests O’Reilly. “Often times talking on the phone will encourage you to open up in new ways, as you won’t be distracted by trying to interpret your partner’s body language or facial expressions.”
And if you are a planner like me, Uber Eats some whipped cream to your significant other for them to have more to work with during your time together.
Related: 21 sex myths everyone thinks are true.

Not bold enough for phone sex? Sexting is just as tempting

Lockdown together
Like our friends in the UK were told to either stay apart or move in, your relationship may be in the perfect spot to commit to being together 24/7 if a second wave is upon us. With job insecurities and rent being due, cohabiting could be the step to take to fix more than one issue at hand. Not to mention, having sex while living together is safe and a given.

Get creative and use different sexual positions
Now is the perfect time to put on your thinking caps and get inventive. When engaging in sex, use positions that allow sexual contact but limit face-to-face interaction. Reverse cowgirl, doggy style, spooning and standing up all offer ultimate pleasure for both giving and receiving partners. Don’t forget to communicate and ask permission for what each of you is comfortable with. And remember, according to Toronto Public Health, the virus has been found in semen, so wear condoms.
Related: Sex tips to give to our younger selves.

If either of you is feeling sick, skip sex
Despite our desires and urges, it is crucial to be vigilant and stop the spread of COVID-19 while emergency protocols are lifting (or being reinforced). The pandemic isn’t over. No matter if you are feeling ok, it is best to act as if you have come into contact with someone with the virus; therefore, if you are not feeling well, take a break from having sex.