The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (Sweat) and the National Movement of Sex Workers in South Africa (Sisonke) are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to designate sex workers as an essential service during the coronavirus lockdown. The request follows President Ramaphosa's announcement of a nationwide 21-day lockdown and directive for all South Africans to stay at home in order to contain the spread of the virus. "This is a decisive measure to save millions of South Africans from infection and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people," stated President Ramaphosa. However, Sweat and Sisonke argue that the unprecedented decision poses uncertainties for unskilled workers, including sex workers, whose livelihoods have been disrupted. "Sex ...

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire has revealed that there is a high likelihood of coronavirus being transmitted sexually. He made this disclosure during an emergency press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, March 26th. “I believe that if a person is positive, the virus can be transmitted sexually,” stated Ehanire. Ongoing research is being conducted on the transmission patterns of the disease. While some scientists have suggested that the virus cannot be transmitted through sexual intercourse except via oral sex, Scientist Jessica Justman informed The Guardian UK that they are not observing patterns indicating sexual transmission. Justman, however, advised romantic partners to avoid physical contact when there is a confirmed case of being infected with the virus.