NZPC has suggested to members they consider non-contact sex acts, for example, cam-cording and texting. The challenge is whether people can be financially sustained by this method, so right now the collective’s advice remains clear and simple – sex workers need to have an alternative income such as the wage subsidy.
Dame Healy says a number of Government agencies have reached out to NZPC to offer help, including WINZ and the police.
"It's very important people who may be at risk, such as those in the sex work industry, are brought into the mix to ensure they are being fully supported," Healy says.
Victoria University sex work industry researcher, Cherida Fraser, says even before the Level 4 lockdown NZPC was considering what was needed to protect members due to the high risk of contracting and transmitting the virus as well as the difficulty in contact tracing.
However, sex workers are still experiencing on-going serious requests for bookings, despite the lockdown, including those from tourists in hotel rooms.
Ava, a Wellington-based sex worker with 25 years' industry experience, says it's selfish.
“It really blows my mind the risks these idiots are willing to take for 'a bit of fun' with no thought for the safety of their families/housemates health or our own. It’s so incredibly selfish and irresponsible.”
