Dating Safely During the Coronavirus Outbreak

I’ve been asked if meeting new dates should also be on hold.

Should you stop swiping and chatting on dating apps?

Do you really want to go to a public place with a stranger who might be sneezing into their meal? (No)

RELATED: Dating in the Age of the Coronavirus

If you’re swiping on Tinder, chances are you’ll see this pop up notice with safety tips, along with a link to the World Health Organization’s website.

Tinder recommends the following to their subscribers:

Wash your hands frequently
Carry hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your face
Maintain social distance in public gatherings

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, awareness is vital, and plans do tend to change. Social distancing is the new sexy, and flirting in video chats are the new normal.

Here’s How to Keep the Spark Alive

As it relates to matters of the heart, if you’re already coupled up, you might want to stay home and self-isolate with your date and binge watch a few shows. For those who haven’t met yet, I recommend using video chat instead of canceling a date.

RELATED: 7 Tips for Flirting on Dating Apps if You’re Not Meeting in Person

In an article in the March 5th edition of the Wall Street Journal, Rachel Wolfe interviewed me, along with dating apps and some users, about the trend of going on a video date before meeting in person.

A new Google Crome extension called Netflix Party will allow you and your date to simultaneously stream the same shows together, with a chat comment feature and the ability to click the pause button.

Since I’m a technology enthusiast, I think using Facetime for a date, or in app video or phone features found on Bumble, Grindr, and Match and other dating apps to keep the digital spark alive.

And if you do have the common cold, do yourself and everyone else a favor, and stay home.

Since just about every store is out-of-stock of hand sanitizers, or people are selling bottles of it at outrageous prices, you can create a make-shift one at home using vodka or alcohol.

Remember, we need to make good decisions about everyday life, especially when meeting someone new, and the coronavirus is a reminder to take precautions to protect your health.