Dr. Anthony Fauci has told Americans that they can meet with their Tinder dates, despite the current coronavirus outbreak, if they’re willing to take the risk.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director told Good Luck America on Tuesday that the level of risk involved would depend on how intimate people were.
The advice given by Dr. Fauci directly contradicts the instructions issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which states that members of society should practice social distancing measures, including remaining three feet away from others.
Many countries, including the United Kingdom, have extended this social distancing perimeter to six feet. Full advice from the WHO can be found here.
According to a transcript of the three-part interview, published by Vanity Fair, the host Peter Hamby asked Dr. Fauci what people should say to matches on dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble amid widespread pandemic shutdowns.
Dr. Fauci responded by saying: “You know, that’s tough. Because it’s what’s called relative risk. If you really feel that you don’t want to have any part of this virus, will you maintain six feet away, wear a mask, do all the things that we talk about in the guidelines?
“If you’re willing to take a risk—and you know, everybody has their own tolerance for risks—you could figure out if you want to meet somebody. And it depends on the level of the interaction that you want to have. If you’re looking for a friend, sit in a room and put a mask on, and you know, chat a bit. If you want to go a little bit more intimate, well, then that’s your choice regarding a risk.”
The interview follows the recent announcement from US President Donald Trump, stating his intentions to cut American funding to the World Health Organisation, pending a further review.
Dating apps across the industry are seeing an increase in activity as people around the world are staying at home. A number have also rolled out new video features to help singles continue to date virtually.
Read more here.