Sex workers must not be forgotten in the COVID-19 response

Sex workers are among the most marginalised groups. Globally, most direct sex work has largely ceased as a result of physical distancing and lockdown measures put in place to halt transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), potentially rendering a frequently marginalised and economically precarious population more vulnerable. Sex workers who are homeless, use drugs, or are migrants with insecure legal or residency status face greater challenges in accessing health services or financial relief, which increases their vulnerability to poor health outcomes and longer-term negative economic impacts. Increased prevalence of underlying health conditions among sex workers might increase risk of COVID-19 progressing to severe illness. Achieving healthier communities and controlling COVID-19 requires a collective and inclusive response. Resources and support for sex workers need to be prioritised. Involvement of communities in social protection schemes, health services, and information will enable sex workers to protect their health during this pandemic as equal citizens, in line with principles of social justice. Reforms of social and legal policies, including decriminalisation of sex work, can reduce discrimination and marginalisation of sex workers and enable provision of vital health and social services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)