tuscl

Amsterdam’s red-light district emerges from lockdown

joker44
In the wind
https://apnews.com/1800038fe0d6317987906…

AMSTERDAM (AP) — It wasn’t quite business as usual Wednesday as Amsterdam’s red-light district emerged from coronavirus lockdown, but it was close.

“We are, of course, used to taking care of hygiene,” said Janet van der Berg of the Prostitution Information Center in the heart of the network of cobbled streets and canals where sex workers pose in windows bathed in red light to attract customers.

Sex work was the professions allowed back in business as of July 1 in the latest relaxation of virus-prevention measures in the Netherlands. Gyms also reopened their doors Wednesday.

Van der Berg said not all of the windows in the historic buildings of the red-light district were occupied on the first day of post-lockdown business. The number of tourists and visitors to the Dutch capital has slumped since the pandemic all but halted global tourism. But according to van der Berg, it was bustling as sex workers welcomed clients again. “I’ve heard that they’re busy. I think there’s a party atmosphere,” she said.

Sex workers took steps to minimize the risk to themselves and their clients of becoming infected with the coronavirus, including checking individuals for symptoms before letting them through a window. *[Pic at top of article: Window decal reads 'Only Save Sex' 😁 ]*

“There are hand gels and we’ve thought about what positions are handy — or not — but that’s not in an official protocol, you can work that out for yourself,” said van der Berg. “And once the client is gone, you have to disinfect the place well. ... I think in this way we can work as safely as other people who have to work close to their clients, like hairdressers.”

10 comments

  • Cashman1234
    4 years ago
    Very interesting. I know that’s a popular spot for tourists. But I wonder if tourists visit out of curiosity? I wonder who the main consumers are. I would think there most be local regulars who provide the base of the red light earnings.
  • twentyfive
    4 years ago
    ^ I sense a research trip might be warranted, purely for scientific reasons of course.
  • Cashman1234
    4 years ago
    ^ Agreed. I will document my hypothesis. Then a data gathering trip is in order!
  • Eve
    4 years ago
    I wish the States had a Prostitution Information Center.
  • 623
    4 years ago
    There are a few smaller less obvious districts in Amsterdam with the red windows that are more popular with the locals. Lower prices and less public.
  • 623
    4 years ago
    I wonder if the German FKK clubs are planning on opening soon?
  • FishHawk
    4 years ago
    @Eve, I like your attitude. Wish you were closer, we are about as far away as we could be and still be in North Florida.
  • Hugh_G_Rection
    4 years ago
    Of course, American citizens aren't being allowed in the EU at this time due largely in part to the growth of Covid-19 in the US (unless you are currently there at this time).
    Guess we have to sit this party out.
  • skibum609
    4 years ago
    Probably the single most overrated attraction on earth. If it were a restaurant row it would be "tourist trap" central.
  • Cashman1234
    4 years ago
    @Eve I was thinking it would be good to have a Prostitution Information and Massage Professionals org - as it would make for an easy to remember acronym...
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