Some of the Dutch sex workers ignore the measures against the coronavirus because otherwise they run into financial difficulties. That has Pointer, the data journalism platform of the KRO-NCRV, selected together with the platform for investigative journalism Investico.
To curb the spread of the coronavirus, the practice of ‘contact professions’ (such as escort services) is prohibited and sex clubs and brothels have been closed since March 15. However, many sex workers continue their work and continue to offer services online on special advertising sites.
Tens of thousands of advertisements of Dutch sex workers are available online, which are offered on three major sites. Pointer describes the attitude of the sites as ‘half-hearted’. Although they mention the ban on sex work on the site, they do place the ads.
Since the measures were introduced to keep a mandatory distance of 1.5 meters and to stay at home as much as possible, fewer ads have been put online. However, more advertisements appear that refer to the coronavirus.
Number of sex workers are not eligible for government support
Pointer and Investico had conversations with several prostitutes, showing that they continue their work because they have no alternatives to earn income.
For various reasons, for example, a number of sex workers are not eligible for government support. For example, sex workers who are self-employed as freelancers can make use of the relaxed assistance, but this also does not apply to employees of window companies who are not officially employed, but who are also not self-employed.
In addition, social workers see that sex workers are dealing with customers who abuse the situation surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, because they know that a prostitute has a great need for money.
Follow the latest developments around the virus in our live blog.
The coronavirus in short
- The coronavirus mainly spreads from person to person via sneezing and cough drops. The chance of becoming infected through surfaces such as door handles is small. This chance decreases if you wash your hands often.
- You can considerably reduce the chance of spreading by keeping at least 1.5 meters away from others.
- An infected person infects two to three others on average. Precautions are necessary to contain this.
- The vast majority of patients have mild (flu-like) complaints.
- Almost all deaths involve the elderly or other vulnerable persons, such as heart, lung or diabetes patients. If everyone complies with the measures, this reduces their risks.
- Read here what precautions you should take.
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