What’s your name? Your sign? Your- vaccination status?

COVID-19 has changed the game when it comes to the dating scene, and you may find yourself asking questions you never thought you’d ask a potential partner. Keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy is of utmost importance during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you have to put dating on the back burner. Learn how to safely date during COVID-19 with these tips.

Safe Date Ideas

While getting vaccinated can reduce your chances of getting the virus, you’ll still want to be cautious if you aren’t vaccinated. You should also take precautions around those who aren’t vaccinated, or who have weakened immune systems. Wearing a mask in certain situations will still be required for a while, and the risk of contracting or spreading the virus is greatly reduced if you’re in an outdoor setting and practicing social distancing.

Social distancing from your date can put a bit of a damper on things, but the good news is, if you’re both fully vaccinated, you can get a little closer. If you aren’t vaccinated, or you want to take extra precautions, consider these date ideas (masked, whenever possible):

• A hike or walk on the beach
• A visit to an outdoor public market
• Picking seasonal fruit (strawberries, apples, pumpkins)
• A drive-in movie (seated outdoors)
• A picnic at the park
• A wine or beer tour
• Miniature golf
• The zoo
• Ice skating (indoor or outdoor)
• A restaurant that offers outdoor dining

Virtual dates are also a good idea, especially if you’re meeting for the first time. It’s a step up from texting and sending photos, while still allowing you to get to know the person better before risking an in-person date. You can make virtual dates fun by taking an online museum tour, cooking together over Zoom, watching the same show on Netflix, or even reading a book out loud together.

Becoming Intimate

Once you’re ready to take the leap into intimacy, staying socially distant is no longer possible. You want to make sure you trust your partner completely before taking this step. Both partners being fully vaccinated is the safest way to be intimate during the pandemic. There will be a risk associated with intimacy beyond that, but there are a few precautions you can take if you aren’t vaccinated and would like to get closer to your partner.

Just as you would at a doctor’s office, complete a temperature check and ensure both you and your partner can answer “no” to the following questions:

• Are you experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, chills, or shortness of breath?
• Have you had close physical contact with anyone in the past 14 days who has tested positive for COVID-19, or who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
• Are you currently awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test?
• Have you traveled in the past 10 days?

You can also take things a step further by wearing a mask during intimate moments and using positions where you are facing away from each other. While none of these suggestions may be ideal, and certainly may be a mood-killer, they are the best way to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the virus while being intimate.

Meeting Friends and Family

When you’re in love, you want to introduce your partner to everyone you know. It’s an exciting time, and it’s natural to want to share your excitement with the ones closest to you. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made staying physically close to your loved ones nearly impossible.

The safest introductions are when everyone is fully vaccinated. If that’s not the case, then observing the recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is your best bet. They include:

• Limiting the size of the gathering (the smaller, the better)
• Wearing masks
• Staying at least 6-ft apart
• Holding the meeting outside, whenever possible
• Practicing proper handwashing techniques
• Disinfecting any commonly-touched surfaces regularly

Those with weakened immune systems and the elderly need to be the most cautious when it comes to meeting their new partner. Consider a virtual meet-and-greet with those who are unvaccinated or high-risk until the pandemic is over.

The Positives of Pandemic Dating

While the precautions you need to take may seem overwhelming, dating during the pandemic isn’t all bad. It makes you more selective, which can help you avoid wasting your time on those who aren’t right for you. It’s also a good way to see if someone is fully invested in the relationship. If they are willing to do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and keep you safe, then you know they truly care about you.

Try to look at pandemic dating as a new and exciting challenge. You’ve conquered divorce- you’ll conquer this, too!