The dating app Tinder is about connecting people, but during a pandemic meeting in person becomes a whole lot more complicated. With social distancing rules and people sheltering in place dating does not work as usual.
There is a comparison to how people dated during the early days of HIV. When people did not know the dangers they were more prone to get infected. As research uncovered how people were getting infected and what they would need to protect themselves, the number of new infections declined.
The Covid19 pandemic is very different than HIV in transmission. With HIV you could limit exposure to infection by using a condom or practicing less risky sexual activity. The Covid19 virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact routes.
There are ways that you can reduce being exposed to Covid19 when meeting new people. When you meet someone through Tinder you can chat and get to know the person before meeting. There is no safe way to know if the other person has Covid19, but if you take your time and wait awhile before meeting you can reduce the risk.
If you have been chatting for two to three weeks, and you would like to meet in person here are a few steps you can take to stay safe.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions both you and your match need to know if there are any concerns. If you have symptoms of Covid19 get tested and don’t risk spreading the virus.
Meet in a public space and follow social distancing rules. Keep 6 feet apart or more. Yes, it’s weird shouting at someone you just met. Things take a little more time during a pandemic.
You are not going to go out for coffee or dinner, dating is still possible if you are cautious. Once you get to know your match you can follow your local health organizations guidelines for public gatherings.
If testing becomes more readily available you can both get tested. Dating over the years moved at a fast pace, but perhaps taking it slowly like the old days will keep you safe and allow you to get to know someone a lot better than before the pandemic.
This article provides some ideas on how to date during a pandemic, but is not a replacement for medical advice provided by CDC or the World Health Organization.
