ok my friends, i must preface this by saying that I am the furthest from a germaphobe and I try never to have a knee jerk reaction
but....
- getting to a rendezvous can entail riding the subway or being in a cab, both of which I am avoiding
- hotels in NYC have not been slammed yet but like cruise ships, they are potential danger zones with close quarters and elevator buttons
- complete lack of screening...fuck trump and his surrounding sycophants

none of us want to be responsible for spreading anything...is it time to take a breath and slow down?

just want to get a bit of feedback from my friends and providers

..if taking a break is best for you.  

Personally being cautious while also finding ways to engage in at least some of the activities that bring me joy is how I prefer to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. This month I've met a few suitors. I rode in cabs, Ubers, and on the MTA. I went to see a play. I went to see a film. (Sidebar: "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is hauntingly beautiful and I highly recommend it.)

As someone who is a clean freak, I always washed my hands often even if I was just at home. I do so even more when I'm in public. And for years, I've carried personal hand sanitizing wipes or spray. When it comes to entertaining a client, sometimes I'll host in a 3-star hotel but I strongly prefer 4 or 4.5-star hotels. When I select a hotel, I pay even more attention to the guest rating. On third party booking sites they'll break down the overall guest rating and have a category for cleanliness. I always avoid hotels that have reputations for being gross.

Regarding sessions, the main thing I'm doing now which I've never done before is bringing a tub of Lysol disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces in my hotel room.

END OF MESSAGE

We each have to be comfortable with our own risks. I travel a lot for work (>150 flights last year) and would always look for some of the local talent. Last two,weeks have still been on the road but have slowed down significantly with this week haven't even bothered to venture out. If you have a local favorite that you really trust, go with that. Given you are asking the question, you probably already know in your gut the answer. Either way, safe hobbying to you...

I plan to keep the party going. Not to take this situation lightly or nonchalantly but it seems the best defense is keep up with great hygiene.
No one else can quite answer what is best for you.  XOOX

We are all in this mess together.  If we all take actions to limit the spread of the virus, we can minimize the impact and lower the number of people who die.  

I am in an age/health group that I wouldn't have much of an issue if I got sick.  But what if I cause someone else to get it. And what if that person ultimately gives it to someone who is killed?  Yes, diseases are always flying around, but this one kills a huge percentage of the elderly folks who get it.

I can only make the decision for myself, but in my view the ethical thing is to hold off on non-essential human interaction for the time being.  If hobbying is essential to some of you, then so be it.  To me, it's not worth the risk of causing the death of another human.

That said, when this is over, I intend to spend a shit ton of money on these lovely ladies whom I desperately miss!

One can make the argument that by continuing to hobby, we are placing OTHERS at risk as well and not JUST ourselves by doing so.  

 
Of course people need to make their own decisions, and assess their own risk tolerance, but you made me think of something I hadn't before.  

 
Good post!

I think the BIGGEST impact will be on those providers who provide a "GFE," and those who seek it.

Chances are either, or BOTH, parties will choose NOT to participate in such "activities" for the time being, which will cause some of us to feel like "why bother?"  

Basketball player on Pistons got it from just “swapping sweat”  with infected Rudy Gobert. Can’t imagine any intimate “activities” being safe.

More likely from touching your face - wiping the others guy's sweat somewhere near your mouth, nose, eyes for it it enter your system.  Seems the virus doesn't come from shaking hands or having another sweat on you, rather what you yourself do to enable it to enter your body.

Damn shame.  

Honestly I’m craving affection and human touch but I feel I’d be vulnerable to this virus. Even though I am healthy and take immune boosters, I have a grandmother and grandfather who died of lung weakening diseases, so my lungs are going to be a fragile thing for me. Since this virus attacks lungs, I’m choosing to sit this time out at home with lots of fresh air and walks in nature. But once the virus has stopped attacking other people, I’ll be back and ready to work  

Stay safe everyone whatever you decide is best for you

-- Modified on 3/21/2020 4:20:46 AM