Ottawa Public Health offers tips for having "the sex" during pandemic

For those staying indoors this weekend and looking to strip down with that special someone, Ottawa Public Health has offered tips for having “the sex” safely during the pandemic.

In a tweet this morning, OPH got straight to the point stating that “some of you might want to engage in the sex this weekend” and offered a number of safe sex tips, including sticking to sexual partner(s) you live with, considering virtual sex, washing your hands before/ after sex, using a condom, and avoiding kissing and sex altogether if you’re sick.

Hello. Some of you might be wanting to engage in the sex this weekend. Please be safe & #BeCOVIDwise:
– stick to sexual partner(s) you live with (or consider virtual sex)
– wash your hands before/after sex
– use a condom
– avoid kissing/sex if you’re sickhttps://t.co/PxggNSqLqN pic.twitter.com/vVWerNz4Xm

— Ottawa Public Health (@ottawahealth) October 9, 2020

Ontario reported 939 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, with 126 being in Ottawa. The city is also subject to a new wave of restrictions — including the closure of indoor dining, cinemas, and gym — announced this morning.

The tweet was met with a wave of comments from those who appreciated OPH’s advice, and others who did not.

This is a joke right? Stay out of our bedrooms. 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/hzG4mr7Keo

— VictoriaL59 (@Victoria59L) October 9, 2020

Thank you for being so “the sex” positive

— ArielTroster (@ArielTroster) October 9, 2020

the sex? in this the economy?

— katrin (@KatrinEmery) October 9, 2020

This is the best tweet I’ve seen all day. Well done.

— Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) October 9, 2020

“the sex” 🤔

— 🇨🇦 Candace Smith まりこ (@britjpncdn) October 9, 2020

Whoever runs OPH’s Twitter account didn’t miss a beat when it came to replying with some smart and sassy comebacks.

We have it on good authority that this picture was taken after the conclusion of the sex.

— Ottawa Public Health (@ottawahealth) October 9, 2020

We’d recommend just being #COVIDwise and wearing a mask if needed.

Your suggestion just sounds like a sure-fire way to hurt your back.

— Ottawa Public Health (@ottawahealth) October 9, 2020

For those who were confused as to why OPH referred to sex as “the sex,” the health authority made it clear it was no typo.

“So, we write our sexual health posts the way we do because sex is still a very stigmatized subject. Research shows that using humour helps make the subject more approachable,” OPH tweeted.

“If anything, the replies to our tweet show us we still have a ways to go in addressing stigma towards sex.”

So, we write our sexual health posts the way we do because sex is still a very stigmatized subject. Research shows that using humour helps make the subject more approachable

If anything, the replies to our tweet show us we still have a ways to go in addressing stigma towards sex https://t.co/cBvw4dQ8hT

— Ottawa Public Health (@ottawahealth) October 9, 2020