Dating life during the pandemic is a little awkward. The safest way to go about it is obviously to not meet face-to-face with anyone you don’t know very well. That said, it’s much different trying to get to know someone through only texts and video calls.
Tinder, one of the more popular mobile dating apps, is well-aware of this struggle and thus has come up with a welcome yet unexpected solution.
COVID-19 Tests for You and Your Match
In attempt to encourage safe dating practices amongst its users, Tinder is sending free mail-in COVID-19 tests to 500 matched couples (1000 users total).
Beginning at 7pm ET this Saturday, March 20, users residing in the continental US can claim a code for the free test on a first come, first serve basis. The tests will be shipped out the following Monday.
“The pandemic has created no shortage of dating obstacles, but we think our members are pretty optimistic about getting back out there,” said Nicole Parlapiano, Tinder VP of Marketing for North America.
And she’s absolutely right. The Tinder Newsroom announcement claims that the phrase “go on a date” was more common than ever in US users’ Tinder bios in February 2021. This extended quarantine period clearly has folks itching to go on dates in-person.
The home test kits are courtesy of Everlywell, a lab-testing startup that offers testing for wellness monitoring and informational use. After you’ve swabbed your nose at home, you send the sample to the company’s lab. You’ll find the results of the test online within the next couple of days.
Parlapiano says that Tinder is excited to work with Everlywell, as it’ll make it easier for its members to go out and meet matches safely. This announcement comes immediately after the company announced that you’ll soon be able to run a background check on your Tinder matches.
Prioritize Your Safety When Dating
The lucky 1000 users only make up a tiny sliver of Tinder’s userbase (almost 8 million users in the US according to Statista), but it’s good to see that the company is setting a good example of what kind of safety precautions singles should take at this time.
Admittedly, the tests don’t completely eliminate the current risks of in-person dating (but they do help). It’s entirely possible for someone to take the test and send their sample to the lab, then contract the virus before the result comes back.
Tinder is aware of this, writing “a negative test result does not mean you don’t have or cannot transmit COVID-19″ on one of the promotional graphics.
If you miss out on Tinder’s free tests, the US Department of Health & Human Services website has information on how to get one at a community-based testing site.
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