We know what many of you are thinking: Will you still be able to go on dates amid the COVID-19 scare? The answer to that is yes, but at your own risk.
After the Philippines’ cases increased significantly (the current count is 49), Pres. Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency. The Department of Health (DOH) also advised the public to practice proper hygiene, avoid crowded places and “social distancing,” especially if you are feeling unwell.
Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, a former DOH secretary, said in a press briefing that people should avoid kissing their partners if either of them are sick. “Kung ikaw ay may ubo, masakit ang lalamunan, lagnat, sipon, huwag halikan ang asawa, boyfriend o girlfriend. Huwag po tayo mahiya na sabihin na while kissing is enjoyed by some, kissing is actually dirty,” (If you are experiencing cough, sore throat, fever, colds, do not kiss your husband or wife, girlfriend or boyfriend. Let us not be ashamed to say that while kissing is enjoyed by some, kissing is actually dirty) said Garin.
This is similar advice from other health officials across the globe. Virologist Seema Lakdawala said in a World Health Organization (WHO) conference last Feb. 25 that transmission can happen through handshaking and kissing someone who’s sick.
Likewise, dating app Tinder now has a disclaimer when you launch the app that reads: “Your well-being is our #1 priority.Tinder is a great place to meet new people. While we want to continue to have fun, protecting yourself from the Coronavirus is more important. Here are some safety tips: wash your hands frequently, carry hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face, and maintain social distance in public gatherings.”
You know it’s serious when an app synonymous with online dating and hookups is recommending social distancing to their users. Meanwhile, there are some who are using Tinder to talk to Wuhan citizens and find out what’s going on there amid the COVID-19 outbreak. At least they’re putting the app to good use, I guess?
If you have a date coming up, you can either push through and make sure both of you are following social distancing rules; or you can postpone it. Choose wisely.
[Inquirer.net]
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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