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Dutch sex industry back in business | Relations

Erotic dancers and prostitutes in the Netherlands were left without their main source of income for three and a half months and, in general, did not have access to state support during the confinement period. The Government’s decision to bring the sex industry’s reopening date from 1 September to 1 July has surprised workers.

The Red Quarter in Amsterdam – one of the most tourist areas in the Dutch capital where thousands of tourists gather to see the shop windows, the shows and enter the shops – has been deserted. THE Red Light United, a union representing the prostitutes had campaigned for them to be able to return to work as quickly as possible, noting that some had to pay house rent and that the quarantine was forcing them to do illegal work, placing them before greater risk.

“I am very excited to be back at work,” says Moira Mona, a 29-year-old prostitute who will perform at a sadomasochism club. “The extra money will be useful, so in that sense I hope it will be a busy day … Although I don’t expect it to be as busy as before the coronavirus crisis.”

Even before the pandemic, sex workers in that country already complied with strict health rules. However, the industry has compiled a list of recommendations that includes sexual positions to avoid. Even with new guidelines, prostitutes will be more exposed to the dangers of covid-19 than other professionals, said Debbie Mensink, a public health advisor in Amsterdam. “Sex workers are already at high health risk due to their line of work, given the proximity of customers.”

Mona, however, says she is not worried and will take precautions. To adhere to the protocol, he added new items to his collection of latex clothing, heels stiletto and whips: a leather mask with metal nails that covers the face, black gloves and surgical masks. “I don’t get unemployment benefits if I get sick. So if someone shows up and starts coughing or sneezing in my hallway, I’m going to say ‘Can you come back another time?’, Because if I get sick for a week, it means there is no income during that time. ”

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