How would you date someone new in the midst of this pandemic?

no idea
what if you met someone old ...does it always have to be someone new. lol

not really something people ought to be worried about right now I think.

Practically, if it's someone new local in most places (at least in the US where I live) no one is actually policing the restrictions much when it comes to individuals. So with several theoreticals in there: if I were to meet someone, pandemic guidelines wouldn't affect my behavior toward them much personally. I'd probably make sure we were on the same page about trying to limit the circle of people we come in contact with to help reduce the spread of the virus. But as far as I'm concerned if you're in my in group (family and maybe a very few co-workers or friends) and we're both using common sense, then our risk in being together is minimal. And I'd extend that to a new SO (so sure there would be hugs and hand holding and other contact if that was what we wanted at that point in our relationship).

I'd find the bigger obstacle in forming a relationship to be the lack of public space available for the first few dates. While I'm homebody enough to just spend time in one of our homes in an established relationship, in a new one I'd value the ability to meet in a neutral location for the first few dates. And I think that would be harder and more difficult and with winter around the corner outdoor activities are more challenging (and breaking a leg attempting skiing / snowboarding and ending the date in the hospital does not a good date make). But as you mentioned with video calls and e-mail and chat and stuff, it's much easier to build a relationship at a distance than it ever has been.

As for longer distance stuff, I'd be willing to get to know someone, but with concerns about travel restrictions and when we could actually meet in person, well I'd probably be reluctant to make it official or exclusive. That would be something that could wait till after the pandemic is more under control.

If i met some old...hope its not a clone of my ex...if they are old in terms of years..just think of the amazing life stories they could be telling me...
And of course an indivual would be aware of such things if such situation was to arise...people are also permitted to think about whatever they wanna think about

well lots of people have been through this before it was the same kind of thing with AIDS and that happened in the 90s where everyone was told to 'practice safe sex' but nobody actually really did.
before that, people were on drugs and pills and even before that, people were just drunk.

if people wanna do what they wanna do they will do it.

Christians though are just reminded not to fornicate,, flee from it, or if they must...at least marry their intended.
Jesus held us to higher standards though and not to lust after everybody we meet. And so a lot of us actually just do the work of repairing everyone elses messed up relationships.

Sorry I just think you need to forgive your ex (if they have asked forgiveness) and whatever came from that.
I dont really think badly of the people I no longer talk to and dont call them 'my ex' I guess someone needs to be 'exceptional' to be an ex.

I think its a great time for Christians to date. With the social distancing guidelines, it will stop fornication. What the devil meant for evil, God has turned it around for good.

I can only speak for myself. At this moment in time I'm not even interested in anyone but if I were I'm sure I could figure something out that would be good for her and I that would bring us closer to getting to know one another during this crazy time we live in now.
I like hugs and holding hands and all that stuff too but if she's the "one" then no sacrifice is too great.

Well it is an unusual dilema I guess... I suppose if you think they are worth waiting for, maybe just let them know that and do what you can within the restrictions you are under. Be that video calls, phone calls or waving across a park and talk by holding up signs written on big loveheart whiteboards

We dont ditch Jesus because we have to wait to see Him face to face. I guess its the same.
All too often we get swept up in the moment, in the first impression or the way a person attracts us. I guess this is a fantastic way to see how a person behaves when they have to wait, and what they do in times of pressure, how they handle it.

Are they always moaning or are they seeing the silver lining and encouraging others to look to what matters, to be a help and a light in dark times, to look to eternal freedoms and the joy that is set before them... I am not saying they never get a bit down, but are they generally being consistent with someone who is satisfied with Jesus as their all in all. If not, they will never be satisfied with you so this is a good time to see what is what. My old pastor had a saying - pressure reveals the person. I think it is very true.

I wish you, or whomever inspired the question, a very blessed time in this pandemic search for love.
God can certainly bring beauty forth from the ashes and turn every trial into a blessing.

Wait, what? How did we go from socializing and dating to sex?

I mean yes, in some circles one requires the other. I thought Christians hung out in different circles though...