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COVID-19 is not a sexually transmitted infection, but we know the virus is transmitted during close sexual contact. If you're concerned about COVID-19, check out these ways to stay sexy while limiting the risk of transmission.

Due to the changing landscape around COVID-19, we have made changes to many of our services. We’re committed to providing essential services while also looking after the health and wellbeing of our clients, staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve.

We've all got a role to play in the global response to 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Here are some of the basics around the actions we can take to prevent the onward transmission of the virus.

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has raised concerns for a lot of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We've put together some answers to frequently asked questions as well as links to additional resources.

For many, physical distancing and limiting our contact with others will mean reducing our sexual encounters. If you're not having sex or you've limited to one regular partner, what does this mean for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)?

Although it won't be around forever, COVID-19 is affecting our trans, gender diverse, and non-binary (TGDNB+) communities right now. Some challenges might seem overwhelming, but we're here to help.

As we prepare ourselves for physical distancing and self-isolation, we need to remember home is not always the safest place.For some in our community – job losses and insecure housing can mean that we are forced back to other homes with family or friends which can be highly conflictual and for others unsafe.

COVID-19 has impacted us all in a number of ways - including LGBTIQ women. Some challenges might seem overwhelming, but we're here to help.

We know that COVID-19 is putting extra strain on our LGBTIQ communities in many different ways right now.

At the moment, the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting all our communities. This includes our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Testing plays a pivotal role in how we look after our health and wellbeing. This is true of the global response to 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It is also true of how we continue to respond to HIV and look after our sexual health more broadly.

Many people use face masks to prevent catching or passing on COVID-19. There is a lot of information on how to prevent the virus. Face coverings, such as masks, add an additional protective physical barrier to protect you and those around you.

The Australian Government has announced that everyone over 5 in Australia is able to receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine they offer is voluntary and free.

For the first time in its four-decade history, Thorne Harbour Health is calling on communities to stop having casual sex in the face of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).Thorne Harbour Health, formerly the Victorian AIDS Council, is calling on LGBTI communities and people living with HIV to limit their risk of COVID-19 transmission.Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth said, “We’re faced by an unprecedented global health crisis. While COVID-19 is not a sexually transmitted infection, the close personal contact we have when during sex poses a serious risk of COVID-19 transmission. We need people to stop having casual sex at this stage.”“But after four decades of sexual health promotion, we know abstinence isn’t a realistic strategy for most people. We need to look at ways we can minimise risk while maintaining a healthy sex life.”Last week, the organisation released a resource with strategies to minimise the risk of COVID-19 while having sex. Strategies included utilising sex tech, solo sexuality, and limiting your sexual activity to an exclusive sexual partner, commonly known as a ‘f*ck buddy’.“You can reduce your risk by making your sexual network smaller. If you have a regular sexual partner, have a conversation about the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Provided both of you are limiting your risk by working from home and exercising physical distancing from others, you can greatly reduce you chance of COVID-19 transmission,” said Simon Ruth.The organisation’s stance is not dissimilar from advice from the UK government. Earlier this week, chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries advised couples not cohabitating to consider testing their relationship by moving in together during the country’s lockdown.Thorne Harbour Health CEO Simon Ruth released a video message today addressing sex & COVID-19 following last week’s message about physical distancing.Both videos as well as the ‘Sex, Intimacy & Coronavirus’ info sheet can be found on here.

LGBTI Victorians who are isolated or impacted by COVID-19 will now be able to access additional social connection and support services through Thorne Harbour Health’s Rainbow Connection.Launched today, the COVID-19 Rainbow Connection offers a range of services to LGBTI communities throughout Victoria including peer support and assistance with food and housing issues.“COVID-19 has created an unprecedented social change in our community that has seen many people being isolated from usual connections and supports. Thorne Harbour Health’s Rainbow Connection program is here to fill the gap for the many LGBTI people who find themselves without adequate support or struggling with food or housing security,” said Thorne Harbour CEO Simon Ruth.“We know that maintaining meaningful connections to community has a profoundly positive impact on people’s sense of self, feelings of anxiety/distress and general wellbeing. For this reason, and to address the challenges caused by the physical distancing measures in place, Rainbow Connection actively links isolated LGBTI people with the services and supports they need to get by during this time.”With the support of the Victorian Government for the next three months, Thorne Harbour has been able to extended their existing Community Support program for LGBTI seniors and people living with HIV to now include any LGBTI people who are isolated or impacted by COVID-19.“Many LGBTI people have lost jobs, are struggling financially or with their mental health as a result of COVID-19,” said Simon Ruth.“Thorne Harbour Health continues to be there for the community with an expansion of our Rainbow Connection program that is providing support to any LGBTI person who is struggling with the impacts of COVID-19 in their lives.”The COVID-19 Rainbow Connection is a state-wide, volunteer-driven service supporting LGBTI people across Victoria.The COVID-19 Rainbow Connection service can be contacted 9AM – 5PM, Monday to Friday by phoning 1800 961 780 or via email rainbowconnection@thorneharbour.org.