Is It Safe to Date During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Updated: 2/3/21

Over the past year, many of us have lived our lives in a virtual environment. We’ve grown accustomed to group FaceTime calls, remote classes and online meetings. But what about dating in the digital space? Fortunately, with technology and creativity, you can meet someone new and spend quality time together.

Here are some tips from our experts:

Start with virtual dating

For many people today, a “first date” is a virtual event, whether by phone or video. If you hit it off, you may decide to meet in person, but some people continue seeing each other virtually for a while.

“You can learn a lot about someone’s personality when the main thing that you do is talk,” says Andrew Habib, M.D. a family medicine specialist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group. “Also, you may feel more relaxed with an online date if you’re nervous about being within 6 feet of someone who may not be as strict with social distancing as you are.”

Planning a virtual date? Try these ideas to help bond and get to know each other:

• sit near a well-lit window for a video chat
• order takeout from the same restaurant and eat together via video chat
• watch movies simultaneously in separate locations, talking on the phone together
• play online games together

How to progress to in-person dating

When you’re ready to meet, first talk about your attitudes toward social distancing and mask-wearing, making sure that you’re both comfortable. Meet outdoors, wearing face coverings and staying 6 feet apart, even if you’re inclined to go maskless to show off your smile.

“Being safe, and respecting your date’s desire to be safe, is the best way to show your date that you care about them right now,” says Dr. Habib.

During the colder months, many standard date venues may be unavailable or very limited, but be creative: Bundle up for walks, lace up a pair of ice skates, or seek restaurants with outdoor seating and bonfires or outdoor heaters. If you both feel comfortable with indoor dining, make reservations at a restaurant that you like. When the weather warms up, serve a meal in your backyard, visit a scenic park, or go for a bike ride.

Deciding when to become physically intimate

Eventually, you may want to hold hands, kiss or have sex. Before you do, make sure that you’re both ready for this next step, which is riskier than usual during the pandemic. Talk at length about your concerns and your social-distancing habits.

Because it’s possible to have COVID-19 without symptoms, some couples self-isolate for 2 weeks before becoming intimate, to make it less likely to pass the virus to one another. Others get COVID-19 tests and feel comfortable being physical with someone who tested negative.

“With a little bit of communication, safety and common sense – it is possible to safely date during the pandemic,” says Dr. Habib. “The most important thing is to be open and communicate about your comfort levels. Who knows, you may have an interesting pandemic story to tell your kids one day!”

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our clinical contributor: Andrew Habib, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Habib or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website. 

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.