Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
The deputy director of Russian state TV claims that coronavirus can be transmitted through sex and that gay men are especially vulnerable.
Russian news executive Dmitry Kiselyov, 65, who is the deputy director of Russian state TV holding company VGTRK, reportedly made the controversial statement on his Telegram channel stating that people can contract COVID-19 through fluids transmitted during sexual intercourse.
The host of the Vesti nedeli (News of the Week) TV programme, who is often accused of being a mouthpiece for pro-Putin propaganda, said: “After all, you can transmit COVID-19 through sex. Not even a condom will help.”
According to Kiselyov, gay men are especially vulnerable, as they tend to change sexual partners more frequently than heterosexuals.
Multiple medical reports state that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Sexologist Alexander Poleev has, however, stated that it is likely that the virus can be transmitted through hugs or kisses.
Russia closed its border with China on 30th January and has reportedly experienced a relatively low number of virus cases, as a result with 658 confirmed cases and only one death according to the latest data from the Johns Hopkins University.
Kiselyov’s show has reportedly been accused by other local media outlets of being a soapbox to promote pro-Putin propaganda.
He once said that gay people should be banned from donating blood or sperm and that if they die in car accidents their hearts should be burned.
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