Sexual, reproductive health key issue to consider amid COVID 19 pandemic
DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 11, 2020
As persons continue to observe the stay-at-home measure implemented by the Public Health Ministry it was noted that this allows for more personal contact.
Making this observation was Government Medical Officer, Dr. Jarelle Brandford who told DPI it is “paramount that persons practice safe and responsible sexual activities to prevent STIs and other undesirable consequences.”
Dr. Jarelle Brandford who is stationed at the National Care and Treatment Centre
Dr. Brandford advised that while reports have indicated that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through sex, the virus may still be found in “droplets within the nasal cavity, in saliva and in faeces, which implies that the condition of sexual intercourse my increase your chances of contracting the virus.”
If either you or your partner has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he stated that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:
- Do not share bedding or a bed.
- Abstain from all intimate contact until at least seven days after symptoms would have started, another seven days after symptoms have improved and at least 72 hours fever free without the use of medications.
- You may want to minimize contact for up to 14 days.
Dr. Brandford said persons who are not symptomatic for COVID 19, can still visit family planning and genitourinary clinics in Guyana but will be expected to comply with the health precautions of washing or sanitising their hands and wearing a face mask.
The doctor who is stationed at the National Care and Treatment Centre located in the NPHRL building advised that condoms which aid in the prevention of STIs and unwanted pregnancies are readily available at public health institutions around the capital city.
“Take time to acquire the knowledge needed to be correctly informed, share information on ways of preventing COVID 19 within your communities and perform safe sex practices with the additional conditions to help prevent COVID-19 as much as to protect yourself and that of your partner’s,” Dr. Branford stated.