Celebrity Life

Romance in the time of coronavirus: Try virtual dating

By Patricia Isabella Romarate

With a global pandemic requires everyone to go into self-isolation and practice physical distancing, the only safe space for dating can be found on social media, particularly dating apps.

Two popular dating apps share the same idea when it comes to dating in the time of coronavirus.

Tinder said in a tweet that “Social distancing doesn't have to mean disconnecting.”

So, in an effort to keep social interaction, Tinder will make its Passport, which was originally a paid feature of the app, free for all its members.

Passport now lets you search by city or drop a pin on the map to find a match around the globe.

When will this free feature available? According to its website, Tinder will roll out this feature "starting next week" and that it is "offering this feature to everyone, everywhere through April 30th."

Bumble, on the other hand, encourages its community to “please date virtually for now” as the coronavirus ravage many countries around the world.

Virtual Tour: Travel around the world from the comfort of your home

Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder and CEO of Bumble, said, “We want to help you stay connected, even when physically apart.

“Even if you're feeling well, you could be unknowingly spreading the virus by meeting IRL,” she added.

“And please don't meet your Bumble matches in person until further notice.”

Herd also reminded its community to follow the advice of the local and national health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bumble listed 15 virtual date ideas on its website you might want to try.

Stay safe, mga Kapuso!

For those who wish to be part of GMA's efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, you may visit the Kapuso Foundation.