Online dating apps taking virus in stride

People are keeping their distance to avoid the spread of coronavirus, throwing a wrench in the online dating world.

Across the country, COVID-19 has closed off all kinds of potential date options: sporting events, concerts and even some dine-in restaurants. And dating app users have delayed or canceled in-person meetups due to concerns about getting the disease, news outlets report.

“As the virus keeps spreading, that fear is going to increase,” said Ali Mogharabi, an analyst for Morningstar, told marketplace.org. “What that means for the company is higher churn and less growth in subscribers.”

But that may not be the case for every app.

OkCupid says 92 percent of U.S. users “are still dating as usual amid the spread of coronavirus,” according to data shared last week with The Hill and other news outlets.

To reduce the risk of getting coronavirus, health officials recommend people wash their hands, disinfect surfaces and practice social distancing. That means everyone should avoid crowded areas and stay 6 feet away from others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier this month.

That mean’s no kissing, hugging or holding hands for daters.

Online apps are taking notice of the new dating scene.

Bumble announced some employees were working from home, and Tinder canceled its Swipe Night due to concerns about its apocalyptic theme.