THEGAYUK

Tag: CoronaVirus

The latest news and updates on the Covid-19 pandemic and the LGBT+ community. Stay updated with the latest news and updates about Coronavirus with THEGAYUK.

  • Is Covid-19 sexually transmitted? Is it safe to have sex?

    Is Covid-19 sexually transmitted? Is it safe to have sex?

    As it stands, all we really know is that Covid-19 is spread through droplets from when people sneeze and cough.

    The reproduction rate of the coronavirus is pretty high (higher than the normal flu) which is why we’re being told to wash our hands for 20 seconds and to cough and sneeze into the crook of our elbow or into tissues.

    Is the virus spread through sexual contact?

    Is the coronavirus spread through sexual contact?
    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Doctor Earim Chaudry, Medical Director at Manual’s told us that “Covid-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease”.

    He added,

    “While Coronavirus isn’t an STI, the virus can still be transmitted by direct content between two people and if one partner is infected, there’s a strong chance the other partner would also contract the virus.

    “The virus can enter through these droplets through the eyes, nose or throat if you are in close contact, which means it can be spread by touch if a person has used their hands to cover their mouth or nose when they coughed or sneezed.

    So what are the chances of being infected if you come into contact with someone who has Covid-19? Well as Dr Chaudry explains, “Covid-19 is also a highly infectious virus, which means if you are in close contact with someone infected there’s a high chance you will also become infected”.

    If you’re having sex at this time, the good doctor gives this advice,

    “As for safe sex, I wouldn’t recommend getting intimate with someone you’re unfamiliar without protection regardless of Covid-19.

    “Always practice good ole fashioned safe sex: that means wearing a condom if you don’t know your partner’s sexual health/history. Stay safe!”

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    So what are the symptoms?

    The symptoms to look out for are primarily a new cough or fever.

    Find out how long you and your household need to self-isolate for if you have any of these symptoms.

    Feeling panicky, isolated or anxious during these uncertain times? We’ve created a resource page which has important phone numbers, articles and support groups listed. Click here to go there.

  • Propaganda nightclub in Nottingham seeks to reassure customers “strong disinfectant used on tabletops, chairs, taps, door handles and other common surfaces”

    Propaganda nightclub in Nottingham seeks to reassure customers “strong disinfectant used on tabletops, chairs, taps, door handles and other common surfaces”

    Nottingham‘s only dedicated LGBT+ club has sought to reassure its customers that they doing everything they can to keep customers and staff safe during the Covid-19 outbreak.

    The club took to Facebook to say that all their staff were “fully trained on strict hygiene practices” and that there were “constantly checking for updates and further advice from the NHS and government”.

    Club bosses also advised, “Antibacterial hand soap remains in our soap dispensers (and we have plenty of it!) so please do use it. You may find our team members wearing latex gloves on shift, so please do not be alarmed if you see us sporting the sexy blue gloves. This is our way of protecting you and us”.

    It added, “In line with government guidance, WE REMAIN OPEN and welcome you to join us at Propaganda”.

    Meanwhile in London, Jeremy Joseph, the owner of one of the UK’s biggest LGBT+ nightclub brands, G-A-Y blasted the UK’s PM, Boris Johnson, as a c**t amidst the current climate of uncertainty. He also said that the clubs would be closing for the foreseeable future.

  • Drag Race UK filming postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

    Drag Race UK filming postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

    The show was “well underway” according to a source but has been postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

    Drag Race UK has apparently been placed “permanently on hold” according to The Sun – after a show source admitted that they’ve had to “pull the plug”.

    The source said,

    “At the moment the plug has been pulled completely on the show and as it stands, the second series of Drag Race is permanently on hold.

    “It’s awful for everyone involved, people aren’t working and the studios are empty. But obviously the health of everyone on the show comes first.”

    Fans of the first series had rejoiced when the BBC announced, along with the Drag Race production company, World of Wonder, that there was to be a second series of the hit BBC 3 show.

    Drag Race UK isn’t the only show to be halted. A number of shows have been suspended or delayed since the outbreak of Covid-19.

    Today the BBC announced a raft of postponements. In a statement the corporation said,

    “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice. The decision was made after the latest government update.

    “We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and public health organisations.”

    THEGAYUK.com has reached out to World of Wonder for comment.

  • Here’s how long you need to stay at home if you’ve got Covid-19 symptoms

    Here’s how long you need to stay at home if you’ve got Covid-19 symptoms

    Health officials have outlined guidance for self-isolating if you have symptoms of Covid-19.

    The symptoms of Covid-19 include a new continuous cough and/ or a high temperature.

    The guidance states that if you live alone and you have those symptoms you should stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms started.

    If you live with other people but they are well, they should stay at home for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

    Making sure that people self-isolate for 14 days will “greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community” according to the Government issued guidance.

    THEGAYUK has put together a page full of useful articles, helplines and other resources for the wellbeing of our community. Check it out here.

  • Beware of scams selling fake Covid-19 self-test kits

    Beware of scams selling fake Covid-19 self-test kits

    These are fake.

    According to Doctor Hilary on this morning’s, Good Morning Britain, Dr Hilary warned against buying into a scam, which sees fake kits being sold for £20 which allege to test for Covid-19, however, the doctor slammed these sellers as “scum” saying,

    “There are a lot of scams going around. There is a lot of scum perpetrating scams selling £20 kits which are totally inaccurate and potentially very dangerous because they’re giving people false reassurance…”

    The UK had scaled back its testing for Covid-19 with the Chief Medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty saying, on the 12th March that it was “no longer necessary for us to identify every case”.

    However, it seems as though the Government is asking the NHS to ramp up testing amid concerns over the lack of capacity for testing within the community and for NHS frontline staff.

    The NHS is expected to test around 25,000 patients who are already in hospital for the Coronavirus.

    As of 18th March, over 56,000 people had been tested within the UK of which 2626 were confirmed to be positive for Covid-19.

  • G-A-Y Owner: Boris Johnson is a c**t

    G-A-Y Owner: Boris Johnson is a c**t

    Jeremy Joseph has launched a blistering attack on the UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, calling him a c**t over his response to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

    In a social media post, blasting the PM, the owner of the world-famous G-A-Y brand wrote, “Boris Johnson, you are a c*nt”.

    His outburst was in relation to Boris Johnson’s media briefing yesterday suggesting the general public should start social distancing, by not using pubs, restaurants and theatres but not mandating that those businesses close.

    Embed from Getty Images

    In a Facebook post Jeremy wrote,

    “Telling people to avoid pubs, restaurants & theatres but not closing them, in other words, unofficially closing venues but making sure Government isn’t liable for staff to get sick pay”.

    Embed from Getty Images

    G-A-Y operates in four venues, three in London and one in Manchester.

    Jeremy has decided for the time being to close all the venues saying, “I no longer feel comfortable being open, so G-A-Y will be closed until further notice”

  • DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up? (UPDATED)

    DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up? (UPDATED)

    A reader asks whether he should stop hooking up with guys from dating apps, during the coronavirus outbreak.

    Dear Uncle,

    I’m really concerned about the spread of coronavirus and wondering whether hooking up with random guys off grindr is safe.

    What do you suggest?

    Matthew

    In line with advice from the Government and healthcare professionals, it would best for the time being to cease casual hookups and non-essential meetings with people.

    The Government has called upon people to start “social distancing” in order to protect older people and the most vulnerable in society, this includes those living with HIV and AIDS and those who have compromised immune systems.

    Need some guidance or help, we’ve created a page of resources for our community.

    Dear Matthew,

    You ask a good question and one that could be applied to any number of viruses or infections that we face every time we make the decision to hook up with someone random off an app.

    Every time we decide to hook up with someone we haven’t received an entire up-to-date health scan from (read: basically every time) you are at some risk, but overall we make the call that the risk is worth the play.

    So should Coronavirus be any different?

    An agent for change?

    CREDIT: ©-Vadymvdrobot-Depositphotos

    I think coronavirus could be a good engine for change or adaptation for our community. It might invite us to start talking more openly about our sexual health, testing and well-being in general and there’s no harm in having a conversation with someone about their health before you hook up.

    The more we talk about these things, hopefully, the less stigma there is attached to our health.

    Is coronavirus overhyped?

    Despite the massive media attention given to coronavirus, it’s worth acknowledging that every year the human race battles flu, colds and other infections. The LA Times notes that this flu season alone 32 million Americans were infected with influenza, which resulted in 18,000 deaths.

    But with that said, it would be prudent to take some precautions.

    You could ask the person you’re planning to meet with whether they’re likely to have come into contact with the virus – i.e. have they travelled from one of the places hardest hit with the virus – like China, Iran, Italy or South Korea.

    However, given that the incubation period for this virus is assumed to be around two weeks, even someone who isn’t showing any symptoms may actually be carrying the virus.

    Be wary of your own heath – do you have underlying health conditions that could lead to complications should you become infected with the coronavirus.

    Keep the NHS website in your bookmarks for updates from the medical professionals and make your decisions based on their advice.

    Matthew, in the end, it’s up to you. I wouldn’t stop having fun at this stage, but I’d urge you and others to self isolate if you think you’ve started to get symptoms and not just with Corona – don’t hook up with guys if you’ve got a cold, flu or if you’re in treatment for an STI.

    Let’s not spread infections around.

    We’re a community that needs to protect each other.

    While I’m at it, why not go for a sexual health check-up – ask about PrEP, the HPV and Hepatitis vaccines.

    Got a dilemma you’d like us to answer? Click here

  • Here’s what you can do if you’re suffering anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Here’s what you can do if you’re suffering anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

    As thousands of us are facing lockdowns and self isolations anxiety levels for some are rising.

    As countries around the globe fully or partially closed down public services, shops and schools due to Coronavirus, there are growing concerns for OCD, depression and anxiety sufferers that the British government will soon implement more dramatic measures to contain the spread of coronavirus in the UK.

    Pexels / Pixabay

    Gerard Barnes, CEO of mental health treatment specialists, Smart TMS, gives his insight on the mental health implications of the circumstances surrounding coronavirus, shares tips on how to safeguard one’s mental health, and highlights the importance on supporting friends, family and loved ones as the situation develops:

    “It is certainly important to take the necessary precautions to protect one’s physical health given the circumstances surrounding the spread of COVID-19, but there is now a real threat of a serious mental health crisis alongside the potential physical effects, particularly to those already suffering with chronic anxiety, depression or OCD. 

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    Here’s what you can do if you’re anxiety or depression is starting to spike.

    Check in on your loved ones

    While you may not be able to pay a visit to your friends and family if widespread quarantine and self-isolation measures are introduced, staying in touch with your loved ones through social media, video calling or messaging is more valuable than ever. Not being in close proximity to people can have a negative impact on your mood and energy levels, and it is therefore imperative that you maintain regular contact with loved ones to improve your mood and make it easier to deal with these stressful and lonely times. 

    Stay Active

    When self-isolating, it is important to make sure that you stay active. Whilst it is impossible to go to a gym and inadvisable to exercise in a public space, we would highly recommend engaging in moderate exercise at home, ideally for 30 minutes a day. Exercise is one of the best ways to fight symptoms of mental health problems, and people who are less physically active are more at risk of anxiety and depression.

    Eat well and stay hydrated

    Make sure to think about your diet carefully – this is vital to both your physical and mental health. If your regular routine changes or you are less active than usual, your blood sugar levels are certain to affect your mood and energy levels, so be sure to eat healthily and drink enough water to ensure your body is in its best condition.

  • Adult star Johnny Rapid says retirement because of COVID-19 was a joke

    Adult star Johnny Rapid says retirement because of COVID-19 was a joke

    Calm down, calm down… He’s not actually going anywhere.

    Prolific adult star Johnny Rapid shocked fans on Twitter yesterday by announcing that he was retiring from films because of COVID-19, but it turns out it was just a joke.

    The star, who has starred in countless films took to Twitter to tell his fans that he was retiring. Saying “I’m officially retiring from porn as of this moment”

    However, he later updated that status, not on Twitter but on the AVN website, saying,

    “Hey lovers,
    yesterday I’ve posted a joke on Twitter saying that I would retire from porn because of the whole CoronaV situation which makes it hard to meet people, but it seems that some followers took it seriously.

    I won’t bother to explain myself on social media in details; that it was a joke etc… but since we are in an exclusive trust circle here: No, I won’t let you down, this industry has been really good to me and I can totally feel all your love, it gives me strength everyday to work harder to please your fantasies.”

    He also added that he was “way too young or too kinky” to leave porn.

    So there you have it. Panic over. Johnny Rapid is not going anywhere you can check him out on the Men.com website.

  • Coronavirus could be spread through rimming

    Coronavirus could be spread through rimming

    Keeping clean is essential RN

    According to new research by scientists COVID-19 could be spread person to person via rimming, after they discovered traces of the virus in patients of those who had been infected.

    What’s even more concerning once the patient had no infected cells in their respiratory system, their poop still contained traces.

    According to the report from Gastro Journal, swabs of urine, stool and tissues were taken from 73 hospitalised patients. It found that 53 per cent of the patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in their stool samples.

    17 of those still had traces even after their respiratory system was clear.

    The report said it is possible for a “faecal-oral transmission route” meaning that those people who engage in rimming could be at risk of infection.

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    Of course the same could be said for those who don’t wash their hands after going to the loo. Faecal matter can find its way on to the hands – and spread from person to person or person to object – like phones and door handles.

    In any case, it’s probably wise to use moist toilet wipes after using the loo and whipping out the old douche if you’re in the mood for licking the chocolate cave.

    The best advice from the NHS is to stay at home and self-isolate if you have a high temperature and a new continuous cough.

    It also advocates:

    • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
    • always wash your hands when you get home or into work
    • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
    • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
    • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
    • try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
  • Drag Race UK’s Baga Chipz pulls out of Belfast gig after Flu-like symptoms

    Drag Race UK’s Baga Chipz pulls out of Belfast gig after Flu-like symptoms

    We’re hoping she feels “much betta” soon

    Drag Race UK superstar Baga Chipz has had to pull out of a performance in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this weekend, after being advised to stay at home and rest up.

    The Queen, who came third in the first-ever series of Drag Race UK took to Twitter to apologise to fans for having to cancel her scheduled performance, saying, that she had “been advised to stay home due to not feeling very well”.

    As Europe has become the “epic-centre” of the Coronavirus outbreak, it’s probably wise not to make any travel or work arrangements if you’re feeling unwell.

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    She then shared that she had “cough and flu like symptoms”.

    She also added that although it might be just a run-of-the-mill cold or that she was just feeling run down, she felt that “it wouldn’t be fair to potentially put people at risk”.

    https://twitter.com/ChipShopBird/status/1238435661402816512

    Last week, RuPaul’s LA Drag Race Convention in May was cancelled after organisers decided to postpone the event until 2021.