‘Safe Sex’ Comes With COVID Protection In Bolivia’s Red Light Areas

La Paz: Sex workers in the Bolivian capital are preparing to resume work “safely” amidst the coronavirus pandemic with new protective items including bottles of bleach, gloves and see-through raincoats.

The thigh-skimming “biosecurity suits” are among a number of recommendations in a 30-page coronavirus security manual drawn up by the Organization of Night Workers of Bolivia (OTN).

The group is pushing authorities to lift the day-time business restrictions put in place during the lockdowns, even if a strict night time curfew still impedes their more habitual evening work, Reuters reported.

Lily Cortes, an OTN representative, said some women may have no option but to work on the streets if they could not work in cooperative-run brothels.

Another sex worker said in addition to donning a thong, a sequined eye-mask and a sheer, crotch-height dress for work, she could layer on top a paper face mask, plastic visor, gloves and a raincoat. “The biosecurity suit will allow us to work and protect ourselves,” she added.

Bolivia has reported 48,187 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1,807 deaths. However, medical experts have warned that as Bolivia is one of the countries where the fewest number of tests are being carried out, the real numbers of those infected could be many times higher.

Notably, the World Health Organization has said that based on the current evidence, coronavirus cannot be sexually transmitted.

Also Read: COVID-19 Woes: Business Being Zero, Sex Workers Starving. But Does Anyone Care?