The Netherlands began easing quarantine measures on May 11. Authorities in the Netherlands have issued a guide for single residents of the country who lack intimate relationships during the pandemic. They advise such individuals to find a “sex buddy/sex friend” for themselves. The National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, which developed these recommendations, advises lonely people to meet with only one person. However, if any of them develop symptoms of Covid-19, the recommendations state that they should refrain from having sex.
Social distancing rules have been in place in the Netherlands since March 23. The authorities then introduced a so-called “smart” or targeted quarantine. The conditions were much less strict than in neighboring countries: residents were allowed to gather in groups of several people, with the condition of maintaining social distance. However, the authorities have come under criticism from single people for whom the quarantine has complicated an already difficult search for a partner.
And on May 14, a guide appeared that acknowledged that singles crave physical contact during the pandemic – no less than people in relationships. But, the authors of the recommendations warn, if single people decide to engage in sex, they need to take precautions to minimize the risk of contracting the coronavirus. “Discuss with each other how it would be more comfortable for you to do this together. For example, meet with the same person for physical contact and for sex (for example, with a ‘hugging buddy’ or a ‘sex buddy’), but on the condition that you are not infected,” – says the recommendation. “Discuss with this person who else you will meet. The more people you meet, the more likely you are to spread the coronavirus.
In the Netherlands, quarantine measures were not strict. The advisory also includes advice for those living with a partner who is suspected of being infected with the coronavirus. “Do not have sex with your partner if he or she has self-isolated because of suspected coronavirus,” the advisory says. “Possible sex with oneself or remotely with other people,” – continue the authors of this document, recommending also joint reading of erotic stories or joint masturbation as an alternative.
On Monday, the Netherlands began easing quarantine measures. As part of the first phase of lifting the quarantine, libraries, hairdressers, nail salons, beauty salons and massage parlors have opened. The easing of restrictions came after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that the country had made progress in reducing the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths. In the past 24 hours, 200 cases of infection have been identified in the country, and 53 people have died. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 epidemic in the Netherlands, 43,880 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus and more than 5,500 infected people have died.