With global cases of Coronavirus now reaching over 200,000, many countries have begun imposing strict lockdown measures, attempting to slow the spread and keep the most vulnerable in society safe. Spain have now ordered 47 million citizens to remain in their homes, the US has enacted a ban on travel to Europe, and numerous European borders are shutting for the foreseeable future.
However, with governments urging for people to stay indoors, as shops, restaurants and mass gatherings close, an interesting boom has occurred for one industry in particular.
Recent reports have shown that the number of sex toy sales since the COVID-19 outbreak have soared. Data collected from the sex toy brand Womanizer has shown the sales it made this year between the 1st January to the 6th March were “well above average,” particularly in areas that were significantly affected by the virus, which are also expected to enjoy a baby-boom, whose children may well become known as ‘Coronials.’
Whilst Italy remains in quarantine, its sex toy purchases are trending at 60% above that predicted. In France it’s gone 40% above the forecast, 75% in the US, and 135% in Canada. As a result of this, Womanizer have announced that some of their products are running low on stock, their We-Vibe Chorus (which can be controlled remotely on another person’s phone) being a particularly popular item at the minute.
Whilst sales have continued to rise, the company has reassured customers that “stock should be replenished by early next week.”
COVID-19 Creates a New Category of Porn
Alongside this sudden rise in sex toy sales, PornHub has also recently begun offering free premium access to their site for those quarantined in Italy. This fee-free period is set to last until the 3rd April, PornHub announcing that proceeds from the site will be donated “to support Italy during this unfortunate time”.
In the announcement offering quarantined Italians with fee-free premium access to the site, PornHub stated:
“Forza Italia, We love you! PornHub has decided to donate its percentage revenue from ModelHub from March to help Italy during the outbreak…To help you during these weeks at home, for the whole month you can access PornHub Premium free of charge, with no need to use your credit card.”
Whilst a kind yet uncomfortably telling gesture to those currently in quarantine, PornHub’s offering isn’t the strangest reaction the sex industry has had to the outbreak.
Earlier this month, reports came in of porn sites posting up COVID-19 themed porn. Videos titled “TSA Agent Detains Woman Suspected of Coronavirus” and “Deserted Wuhan” show porn stars having sex whilst dressed up in hazmat suits. Whilst it’s highly unlikely that the scenes in these videos are examples of how to prevent infection, the porn duo Spicy x Rice have claimed that some their Coronavirus-themed videos help to educate those on the virus, and provide key information on how to prevent its spread.
Spicy has claimed “We thought we would use our porn as an avenue to get some legitimate information out with some comic relief included to get people interested and reduce out chanced of being banned”
“I think people are attracted to COVID-19 themed porn the same way people who are scared of their shadow are attached to horror movies: We are all searching for things that make us come alive.”
How Can I Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a highly infection illness caused by Coronavirus. It can affect your lungs and airways, and can come with a high temperature and a continuous cough. It’s vital to try and stop the Coronavirus from spreading as much as you possibly can, and to avoid those most vulnerable to the illness – these being those with a weakened immune system or a long-term condition, people aged 70 or over and pregnant women.
It is advised that you do not go to any hospitals, surgeries or GPs if you have any symptoms. For more information, please visit the NHS website.
We also have an information and resources page on COVID-19, detailing important information for businesses and employers, advice on working from home, and general news and updates on the virus.
Can You Catch Coronavirus From Sex?
Whilst exact details on how the virus operates are still being established by researchers, experts have claimed that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted via sexual intercourse. However, the virus can be spread through the saliva, meaning you can catch Coronavirus from kissing.
For people who have Coronavirus, the advice is to isolate yourself, ideally privately, for 7 days since you first showed symptoms. If your sexual partner has Coronavirus, if possible, it is of course best to stay clear of them to prevent the spread of the infection.
Whilst you can’t catch the virus through sex, you may still get this through being around them, touching contaminated surfaces they have been in contact with, or, as previously discussed, kissing. For those who live with their partner, are practising social distancing and not showing symptoms of the virus, your risk of infecting one another is lower.
Should I Self-Isolate If I Am Pregnant?
If you are pregnant, it is advised that you still attend any and all antenatal appointments. However, the government also have stated that pregnant woman should be shielded from the virus, and that they should limit social contact where possible to help safeguard their health.
Guidance issued this week has urged for pregnant woman to limit social contact, and to carry on doing this for up to 12 weeks.
The government has issued five points of advice for those most vulnerable to follow, including pregnant women, the over 70s and those with a compromised immune system. The five points are as follows:
- “Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus. These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;”
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible; Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this
- “Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs”
- “Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media”
- “Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services”
Pregnant women have been put in this vulnerable category as infections during pregnancy should be avoided in general. Therefore, whilst we are still learning about how Coronavirus operates, its best to include those who are pregnant as a precautionary measure.
