Sex workers are back at it in the Netherlands after the country successfully slowed its covid infection rates.
Following a recent and successful rollout of vaccinations, the Netherlands has seen an impressive drop of covid infections by more than 25 per cent.
This has come almost immediately after the nation recorded its highest levels of the year in April. So clearly, the vaccines are doing something!
Furthermore, the number of covid patients in hospitals has dropped by more than 10 per cent this week alone, with new admissions falling by more than 20 per cent. Well done, guys!
So what does this mean? Bring back the sex workers?
Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands. However, the industry experienced a government ban in mid-December to slow the spread of coronavirus.
However, this wasn’t taken lightly. In March, sex workers protested against their alleged discrimination, noting that other ‘contact businesses’ including hairdressers and masseurs, had reopened, despite covid conditions. Talk about safe sex.
During lockdown, however, the Dutch government did, in fact, offer limited financial support to sex workers with valid working contracts, and to those who could prove that the pandemic had cost them at least 20 per cent of their revenue.
From this week sex workers in the Netherlands are allowed to receive clients again. Also, the state sponsors test events where casinos open. But museums remain closed. Because lying nude on top of a stranger is considered safer than watching a painting. I guess 🤷🏻♂️
— Stefan Heger (@stefanheger) May 17, 2021
Fortunately, vaccination and infection levels are now at a stage that is believed more manageable with loosened restrictions.
Parks, zoos, gyms and outdoor swimming pools are also set to reopen soon, with public libraries set to reopen on Thursday. In the next three weeks, the Netherlands can also expect to see museums and indoor services at restaurants back on the menu.
However, Dutch Health Minister, Hugo de Jonge warns that despite the significant contributions from vaccinations, he believes that the Netherlands isn’t “there yet”, urging the population to “be careful”.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Netherlands has confirmed 1.6 million local covid infections, with more than 20,000 deaths out of a population of 17 million people.
Sex workers in the Netherlands are allowed to “hug” again after today 😆🤪
— Carolyn Pierpont (@yummy_mummy2411) May 17, 2021
