Coronavirus: Bolivian sex workers will use raincoats to protect themselves from corona

Sex workers in the Latin American country of Bolivia say they are resuming their work and will use bleach, gloves and semi-transparent raincoats to protect themselves.

Sex workers say Bolivia's Night Workers' Organization, a group of people who go to work at night, recommends the use of these protective devices. The organization says that with their help, they will be able to stay safe from Corona while working.

In Bolivia, the profession of sex workers is legally protected and brothels are regularly licensed for this purpose.

Bolivia has been locked down since March due to the corona virus, but sanctions have been eased.

Despite the relaxation, there are still many sectors, including the sex workers, that are still banned, while the country imposes a curfew at night.

Vanessa, a mother of two, is a sex worker. She says it is important for her to have a job so that she can pay for her children's education.

"Our customers understand our security concerns and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that not only we are safe but also our customers."

Another sex worker, Antonita, said she used a face mask, a plastic face mask and a raincoat during her work.

She said the pool she dances at the club is also sterilized with bleach.

"With all these measures, we will be able to work on our own and keep ourselves safe."

Representatives of Bolivia's Night Workers' Organization met with the Ministry of Health last month to offer 30-page recommendations that would allow sex workers to take steps to protect themselves.

About 50,000 Corona victims have been identified in Bolivia so far, while the death toll in the country is 1898.

 

Last week, the country's interim president, Jeanine Anne Chavez, was also affected by Corona.

Experts fear that the country is not undergoing adequate testing to understand the spread of the disease.

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in the region, with very few tests per million population.

Lily Cortez, a representative of the sex workers' union in Bolivia, said it was a difficult time for everyone, but that the restrictions were making it more difficult for women.

"We are part of Bolivian society. We are sex workers, we are women, and we are also concerned about our working hours.