Sex workers avoid kisses and have to make sure that clients do not show covid-19 symptoms
Dutch brothels, including Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, reopened on Wednesday after being closed for a long time, with sex workers and clients having to follow new rules to prevent infections.
The Netherlands ordered the closure of all sex clubs in mid-March. However, initial idea was to keep them closed until September, but recently brought the date forward due to the drop in the number of cases.
“I have a full schedule” for Wednesday, Foxxy (a professional pseudonym), a sex worker and activist with the Amsterdam Prostitution Information Center (PIC), told AFP.
“I had a party when I heard” the government’s announcement on June 24 that sex work could begin, said Foxxy.
“Everyone is so relieved that we can get back to work, as many sex workers have not received any benefits from the government. So it is very good to make money again ”.
Although less restrictive than other countries, the “smart confinement” of the Netherlands has closed sex clubs. Moreover, some are reopening but, like hairdressers and masseuses who have already been allowed to resume operations, sex workers are encouraged to verify that their clients have no symptoms of covid-19.
Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Hugo de Jong said on Wednesday that “a new phase in the approach to coronavirus begins”, but urged people to remain vigilant.
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