COVID 19: Escorts Returning to Work

The end is in sight. However, caution is still necessary.

From 8 March, people in England will see restrictions start to lift, and the government’s four-step roadmap offers a route back to a more normal life.

After 21 June

By Step 4, which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.  We hope to reopen the remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3. This will be subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme to test the outcome of certain pilot events through the spring and summer, where we will trial the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection. The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.

After 17 May

As part of Step 3, no earlier than 17 May, the government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.

This means that most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal. Indoors, the Rule of 6 or 2 households will apply – we will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.

As soon as possible and by no later than Step 3, we will also update the advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging. But until this point, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble.

After 12 April

Step 2, which will be no earlier than 12 April, will see the opening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups), as will most outdoor attractions and settings, including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas. Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.

Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2, and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Changes on 29 March

The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. And this is why from 29 March, when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in organised outdoor sports.

The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme. The government has launched a new task force to review global travel, which will report on 12 April.

Changes on 8 March

People will be allowed to leave home for recreation and exercise outdoors with their household or support bubble if they are eligible for one, or with one person from outside their household. Care home residents will also be allowed, one regular visitor.

January Update

4th January 2021, and we have just heard the announcement of yet another lockdown. Of course, our thoughts are with the families of those that have lost their battle with COVID. 

Unlike previous lockdowns, this one has a silver lining in the shape of the vaccines from Astra Zeneca and Pfizer. With a programme of vaccinations rolling out across the country, we have some sight of normality.

In the meantime, please take the time to update your profiles, perhaps your photos too. If you are working virtually through phone chat or offering Whatsapp sex chat, tick the box when you log in. 

COVID-19 has had a massive impact on many industries. With well-known brands going out of business and many people furloughed, the livelihood of thousands of people is at risk. And for many escorts and sex workers, the coronavirus pandemic has hit hard.

For many, the reason for working in the sex industry has been to earn enough money for essentials and often to take care of their families. It has often been the fallback for many who have low-income employment. And for those sex works in this position, the coronavirus pandemic has dealt a double blow as low income jobs have gone. Consequently, more and more people are increasing their debt to simply survive.

For those sex workers that are registered self-employed have been able to claim government grants. For some independent escorts and agencies, it has been possible to furlough themselves from their limited companies. Of course, there have been conditions that needed to be met. Consequently, many sex workers have fallen through the gaps.

As the lockdown measures are eased, there are ways in which sex workers can start to return to work. There is no back to normality. This is going to be tough for quite some time. To survive, thinking more broadly about how to operate in this industry might get you through this period. During September, we can already see an increasing number of cases around the UK. Local lockdowns are inevitable. In the North East, North West and parts of Wales, there are already stricter local regulations.

What are the guidelines?

For Government, this coronavirus pandemic is unlike anything they have had to deal with before. No matter what side of the political fence you stand, Labour, Conservative or other, there is little to suggest any Government could get it right.

Uncertainty within the Government and the changing nature of the virus makes for an inconsistent and fluid range of guidelines. Of course, there are no specific guidelines for sex workers. That is not unexpected. With that in mind, it is important to adhere to the guidelines that make sense. For example, the distance rule. And of course, this isn’t easy to maintain in a role that requires some form of contact.

How you can get back to work

During this period, the time is right to explore how you can offer online services. This is the world of virtual companionship. And there are tons of ways you can operate through a range of platforms and on pretty much any device. Do not make excuses. If you have not got a PC, you probably have a phone. So there is no reason you cannot take advantage of the latest trends and opportunities.

Online services include more than just webcamming and phone chat. You can look to sites such as UKAdultZone where you can create your own private gallery to earn credits for advertising and upgrades. This can fit neatly with your OnlyFans and any WebCam work you perform.

For those that want to explore domination, you can build your reputation as a Dominatrix or set out on that path. There are services you can offer that are pretty much hands off. Take Financial Domination or delivering a good caning to a submissive or slave. A Long Tail Whip should give you some distance.

While times are slow, this is a perfect opportunity for you to update your profiles and adverts. Consider how you go about advertising on the internet. Do you have lots of profiles that are out of date? Now is the time to update them. A helpful tip is to draw a map on a piece of paper with each profile as a bubble and see how they fit together. What can you do to improve how they work for you?

Getting back to normality

Practically, for escorts returning to work, there is little chance of reaching a pre-pandemic working environment until a vaccine is made available. And that is not looking like something we will have until mid to late 2021. Even then, a vaccine may not completely eradicate the virus form the UK. We are likely to see outbreaks still. Consequently, there will always be a risk of catching that virus.

When you do head back to work, and there are plenty of clients window shopping at UK Adutl Zone, be aware of the symptoms and track your health. It is important to recognise a client with symptoms quickly. By now we all know the common symptoms described as:

• Persistent dry cough
• High temperature
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of smell or taste
• Feeling sick
• Diarrhoea

Of course, if someone is suffering from any of these symptoms, it is unlikely they are going to be in the mood for company. That said, you still need to be aware.

Coping if you develop symptoms

Unfortunately, we are all at risk. Consequently, it is important that you monitor your own health. If you do develop symptoms, get tested quickly. Call for support and order a test. You can have that delivered if you cannot get to a clinic. Many people have experienced issues getting to a test centre. Proving you are not carrying the virus can also put a client at ease.

Protecting yourself with clients

As we mentioned earlier, for escorts returning to work, there is likely to be an increasing number of local lockdowns. Consequently, meeting clients from your area may be a safer option than those visiting your location. When you are entertaining clients, wash your hands in situations such as:

• before and after any contact or massage
• if there are body fluids on your hands
• if there is any lubricant or massage liquid on your hands
• after using the toilet
• before and after preparing food or eating
• after disposing of gloves
• after doing any cleaning work
• if your hands are visibly dirty

It might sound like a daunting list. However it is fairly straightforward and common sense. As we know personal hygiene does not stop at your hands.

Taking care of your mental health

The pandemic has touched people on an economic and personal level. Increasing reports of domestic violence, depression and suicide are some of the sad facts. It is so important to take care of your mental health during this time.

The Mental Health Foundation have set out some supportive guidelines. It is important for escorts returning to work to consider this too:

• Plan your day
• Move more every day
• Try a relaxation technique
• Connect with others
• Reflect and practice self-compassion
• Improve your sleep

You can find out more information on their website.

Dominatrix or escorts returning to work, please follow the guidelines for your area. Check to see what the current level of risk is and what tier your area has been set.