Now, haven’t I been saying this for years?

NYC health officials have just released an update to their guidelines for safe sex during the pandemic…and it suggests more kink.

“Make it a little kinky,” the Health Department advisory actuals states. “Be creative with sexual positions and physical barriers, like walls, that allow sexual contact while preventing close face to face contact.”

They also suggest:

“During COVID-19 wearing a face covering that covers your nose and mouth is a good way to add a layer of protection during sex.”

So, all you naughty kinksters out there who have been wanting to wear a mask in the bedroom, or even regularly do, here’s your chance to let fly with that particular kink.

Of course, as suspected, group sex interaction is highly discouraged (a practice to be cautioned at even the safest of health times) presently. But “if you decide to find a crowd, below are tips to reduce your risk of spreading or getting COVID-19: Limit the size of your guest list. Keep it intimate. Go with a consistent sex partner. Pick larger, more open, and well-ventilated spaces. Wear a face covering, avoid kissing, and do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Bring an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.”

The safest type of sex that our health officials suggest (and one might argue the most efficient) is masturbation. We just came off May, which is masturbation month, so why not carry your self-love attempts into the summer? In addition to being with yourself as much as you can, the guidelines suggest “a break from in-person dates. Video dates, sexting, subscription-based fan platforms, sexy “Zoom parties” or chat rooms may be options for you.”

Also, two points I feel bare repeating no matter what the pandemic climate is or isn’t:

Skip sex if you or your partner are not feeling well. • If you feel unwell, or even start to feel unwell, avoid kissing, sex or any close contact with others. For more information, visit nyc.gov/health and search COVID symptoms. • If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, avoid close contact with anyone outside your household and follow NYC guidance about how to prevent exposing others. People exposed to COVID-19 should get tested for the virus using a swab or saliva test. • If you or your partner have a medical condition that can lead to severe COVID-19 illness, you may also want to skip sex. • Medical conditions include lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer or a weakened immune system (for example, having unsuppressed HIV or a low CD4 count).

Prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. • HIV: Using condoms, taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and having an undetectable viral load all help prevent HIV. For more information, visit nyc.gov/health and search HIV. • Other STIs: Using condoms help prevent other STIs. Visit nyc.gov/health and search STI. • NYC Sexual Health Clinics: Call the NYC Sexual Health Clinic Hotline at 347-396-7959 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) to speak to a health care provider about STIs. Clinics in Chelsea and Fort Greene can provide walk-in patients with emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV, and initiation of HIV treatment. Visit nyc.gov/health/clinics for updated information on hours and services or call 311. • Pregnancy: Reproductive health services — as well as fertility services, prenatal care and cancer screenings – are considered essential services and are available in all five boroughs. Providers may be able to help you without an in-person visit. • To find a provider, visit the Sexual and Reproductive Health Provider Directory or call 311.

Despite all the cautions (and again, very wise ones no matter our pandemic status) our health officials do state:

Sex is a normal part of life and should always be with the consent of all parties. And

Decisions about sex and sexuality need to be balanced with personal and public health.

Stay healthy everybody!