The Dutch government has truly thought of everything. Photo / 123rf
The Dutch government has truly thought of everything. Photo / 123rf
While social distancing can be a lonely time for people without a partner, thoughtful Dutch officials have suggested another way singletons can, er ... ride out this isolating time.
Although visitors should remain a socially distanced 1.5 metres away from their hosts, a special caveat was made after the restriction was criticised.
Instead, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) pivoted and suggested those isolating without a significant other to find a "seksbuddy".
"Discuss how best to do this together," they said, according to The Guardian.
"For example, meet with the same person to have physical or sexual contact (for example, a cuddle buddy or 'sex buddy'), provided you are free of illness.
"Make good arrangements with this person about how many other people you both see. The more people you see, the greater the chance of [spreading] the coronavirus."
Note: a limit was not placed on the number of "seksbuddies" one could have, but the advice does specify there should be no sex if your partner is in isolation or showing symptoms of the virus.
However, if the idea of physical intimacy during contagious pandemic doesn't exactly do it for you, the RIVM shared the following piece of advice too:
"Sex with yourself or with others at a distance is possible."
In Australia, the Department of Health has also offered its views on the matter, albeit in fewer words.
"It is a matter of common sense," a spokesman said.
"Limiting contact with an intimate partner who shares your home is really only necessary when a person is unwell. Otherwise, continuing good hand hygiene practices in the home is the recommendation."
Unfortunately, no mention of the words, cuddle or sex buddy made it into the official directive.
Unlike its fellow European neighbours, the Netherlands has opted for a more relaxed approach in containing the spread of Covid-19.
The European country has been under an "intelligent lockdown" since March 23.
Households have been allowed up to three visitors as long as social distancing is maintained. Although schools, universities and contact professionals like beauticians and physiotherapists were closed, they've since been allowed to reopen.
