Experts argue that refraining from physical contact can help to limit transmission of the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 2 (Korea Bizwire) — Concerns over the new coronavirus outbreak are creating distance between South Koreans – even among couples.
Recent posts online frequently discuss couples refraining from physical contact with each other due to the COVID-19.
Many couples end up in arguments, with some wanting to avoid physical contact altogether, while others think differently.
“My boyfriend was bitterly disappointed last week as we didn’t see each other at all because of the coronavirus. I felt bad, so I asked him out for a cup of coffee this week. Now, he’s getting on my nerves again because he said he’ll give me a kiss when we meet,” said a member of an online forum for cosmetics.
“I used to kiss my partner on the lips. Now, I kiss him on the back of the hand,” said another member in a comment.
“My girlfriend joked about not touching,” a member of an online fashion community wrote. “But in all seriousness, I want to snuggle with her.”
A soon-to-be bride said she is staying away from her fiancé or else she might “want to kiss him on the lips.”
“I decided not to go on a date for the next 10 years because I’m scared of physical contact,” said another member who introduced himself as single.
“Why didn’t you date someone until now,” another member asked. “It’s because I’ve been keeping my word since the swine flu in 2009,” the bachelor replied.
Experts argue that refraining from physical contact can help to limit transmission of the coronavirus. Bloomberg reported last week that less physical contact can reduce the risk of coronavirus infection.
“If the coronavirus is circulating in your community, it’s a prudent thing to do,” said Michael Osterholm, an expert on infectious diseases at the University of Minnesota. “It’s one of the few things you can do yourself to actively reduce your risk.”
The World Health Organization (WHO), while not going so far as to recommend an outright ‘ban’ on physical contact, did however imply that it may not be ‘such a bad idea’.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
