REOPENING AT STAGE 2, with recommendations for Coordinated Toronto Reopening Strategy

[Allegra Escorts]

Hey everyone. It's been a trying time for those of us in the industry, the most difficult period that I've ever experienced. There's no precedent for what we're going through, and no precedent for our recovery, either. We've consulted all the SPs in the Allegra Collective, as well as hundreds of clients who arrange bookings in Toronto, and we've come to a decision:

We will resume bookings, under strictly limited criteria, when Ontario enters STAGE 2 of the recovery.

I've split the following thread into four parts:

1) Reasoning
2) Research & Poll Results
3) Safety Protocols After Restart
4) Coordinated Reopening Strategy Among Toronto Establishments

Part 1: Reasoning

Today, Doug Ford announced that Stage 1 will begin on Tuesday, May 19th. We feel that this is too early for us to resume bookings, because Stage 1 only allows for *some* workplaces to reopen, with heavy restrictions to mitigate transmission risk, and most of the business included are those who do business outside, or allow for considerable physical distance between employees and customers. We cannot operate under these conditions, so we will remain closed during Ontario Stage 1. Additionally, Ontario has not yet allowed hair salons to reopen.

Although Stage 1 is too early, the criteria for Ontario Stage 2, in addition to allowing for larger public gatherings, allows some businesses to reopen that are more comparable to our work. These include physiotherapy, RMT/Massage Therapy, hair and nail services, and other similar establishments. While these are not precisely the same as our services, in terms of physical contact, they are also services where establishments have multiple employees serving multiple clients in a day. To compensate for the higher physical contact involved in our services, we will attempt to compensate for that by restricting the number of people who will enter the establishment in a given day (in terms of both SPs and clients). Under those criteria, we believe we will be in line with other businesses, if we include additional safety protocols (see Part 3 for details).

We have also taken a cue from other jurisdictions; British Columbia has included "Hair Salons/Personal Services" in their Stage 2 reopening, alongside RMTs, physiotherapy, hair salons, etc. Notably, the CRA considers sex work taxable under the business code of "Other Personal Services".

So, we hope to return to limited operations when Ontario declares the start of Stage 2, which could be anywhere from 3-8 weeks from now, depending on how things progress.

 

[Allegra Escorts]

Part 2: Research & Poll Results

Part 2: Research & Poll Results

Over the past week, we conducted a poll of clients who frequent Toronto SPs. We contacted clients via review boards, social media, and email, and received over 650 responses, with a nearly 90% completion rate. Here are a few notable results:

1) Most clients have been abstaining from booking.

For this, all I can say is THANK YOU for being responsible citizens, and putting your health first while waiting to see what sort of threat COVID-19 poses to our community, and society at large. Over 90% of you have distanced yourself from your favourite SPs, and among those of you who are seeing SPs, you have reduced your risk considerably. Well done.

2) The COVID-19 shutdown is also big mental health concern.

More than half of you have told us that your mental health is worse due to the shutdown. We took this factor into account when evaluating how and when we should reopen, because we do believe that sex work has therapeutic value, and seeing an SP can have positive effects for mental health, as long as the risks to physical health are mitigated.

3) There's no substitute for the real thing.

Over 70% of clients polled here say they have not purchased any digital services since the shutdown began. Side note to SPs who are trying to do this: please don't feel bad if things aren't going well online! It's not your fault; it's just that most clients of full-service sex workers prefer full service to digital services.

4) There is no clear consensus on when the "right time" to open would be.

I recognize a possible confound in the data here, because I chose to include Stage 1 and Stage 2 in the same option; I did this because it was unclear initially which stage hair salons and nail salons would be included in, and because of a possible lack of clarity on the distinction between Stages 1 and 2. However, the largest number of clients chose "I'm not sure" as their response, with "Stage 1 or 2" and "Stage 3" being the next two largest options. Nearly 20% of respondents chose a different option, suggesting an absence of consensus on when clients will feel comfortable resuming visits with SPs, and a high likelihood of fluidity in a respondent's risk tolerance as more information becomes available.

Based on the responses, as well as private feedback solicited from SPs, we feel that Stage 2 would be the prudent time to resume services, with strict restrictions to mitigate risk.

 

[bebe]

Lets hope the number of new cases stays steady, or goes lower.. hope you will reopen in 2 weeks time.

 

[Allegra Escorts]

Part 3: Safety Protocols After Restart

Part 3: Safety Protocols After Restart

The following additional safety protocols will be implemented when Stage 2 begins:

1) Strict limitations on number of bookings, gaps between bookings, length of bookings, and lead time for bookings to ensure adequate time to ensure a clean workspace.

All SPs will have a limit on the number of clients they can see in a given day, and we will mandate at least 30 minutes between appointments for the same SP. We will attempt to ensure that no more than ONE SP work in a given location on a given day, and all SPs will have a 1hr minimum for bookings, as well as longer lead time for bookings than usual.

2) We will only permit bookings from clients who are verified, or have references.

No more bullshit, guys. From now on, if you aren't on our verified client list already (which means you've booked with us before from the SAME NUMBER), then you need a reference from an SP, a terb handle that we can verify, or a twitter handle that isn't locked and has some sort of reputable presence. No more burner numbers unless you use it regularly; this is a vital safety issue. If an SP winds up testing positive for COVID-19 at some point (which is likely to happen eventually) and you saw her within the past two weeks, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO CONTACT YOU RIGHT AWAY. We will use discretion and will not divulge any info about you, but we need to get in touch with you, for your safety and everyone else's. This is non-negotiable, and frankly, if you don't recognize the necessity of contact tracing within the industry, then you should probably not book SPs until this is over with. NO VERIFICATION, NO BOOKING.

Added notes: Our meaning of "contact tracing" does not require your detailed personal information, nor do we intend to contact Public Health to report you for any activities. We don't need to know anything else about you, but we do require a phone number we can reach you at, and a burner number that you delete immediately after the appointment is NOT sufficient. If you come into intimate contact with someone who later tests positive, you owe it to yourself (and others) to provide us with a means to immediately inform you of that fact.

3) No physical contact until AFTER YOUR SHOWER.

I understand, you haven't seen her in months, and all you want to do when you get there is give her a big long hug and sloppy wet kiss... Well, you've waited this long, you can wait a bit longer while you get yourself cleaned off. Showers have always been mandatory, but please respect that you have to make it your very first order of business when you arrive. Drop your envelope on the counter (or better yet, arrange to pay via etransfer before you arrive!), head straight to the bathroom with your coat and shoes, and get yourself clean before you give her a proper hello.

4) Respect SPs' service limits.

As mentioned above, our services are not as easily "distanced" as other services, and we recognize that some SPs and clients will not want to engage in the same services as before. Therefore, we will give our SPs absolute discretion to adjust their services at any time, for any reason. This has always been the case, of course, but it is vital that clients understand this explicitly before attempting a booking. We will ask the SPs to clarify the services they are currently offering on their respective pages, but as always, SPs will have the right to refuse any service to any client for any reason, no explanation required.

5) Prioritize everyone's health before, during, and after the booking.

If you feel the slightest symptoms, don't book, or if you prebooked, please cancel instead. If you are showing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, our SPs will not hesitate to eject you from the premises immediately. And, if you do come down with symptoms anytime after your booking, let us know right away. WE NEED TO KNOW IF THIS HAPPENS. Not just for the sake of the SP you saw, but for everyone else in this industry. If you don't intend to be responsible, DON'T BOOK SPs until this is over with.

These are all common sense policies, and we may choose to add or adjust to the policies above. If you have any questions, please ask at the time of the booking.

 

[Allegra Escorts]

Part 4: Coordinated Reopening Strategy

Part 4: Coordinated Reopening Strategy

I would like to suggest that the other Toronto entertainment establishments join with Allegra, and coordinate our reopening dates to align with Ontario Stage 2. Our entire industry has been rocked by this, and it's very possible that this will affect us for many months, perhaps even years. By agreeing to reopen at the same time, this would bring a number of advantages:

1) Providing certainty to clients for when things will restart;
2) Opportunity to quickly share details about clients who attempt to book when showing symptoms;
3) Avoid overwhelming the limited booking slots made available by the first agencies to reopen (and the first SPs to go on schedule);
4) Avoid targeting or criticism from those who think the reopening is too soon;
5) Safer overall conditions for SPs returning to work after a long layoff; and
6) Opportunity to show a strong degree of industry cohesiveness.

There are other advantages to coordinating our reopening strategy, but mostly, we're recognizing that we're all in this together. If (when?) COVID-19 appears in our industry, we'll all need to communicate with each other very quickly to avoid it from becoming a much larger problem, and agreeing to a coordinated reopening is a good start towards that goal.

Thanks for reading such a long post! Let's all stay safe, and hopefully things will continue to improve in the coming months.

In solidarity,
The Allegra Escorts Collective

 

[Knuckle Ball]

I don’t know what is right or wrong when it comes to these kinds of decisions but you have obviously thought this through carefully and are trying to work within Ontario’s public health guidelines so I commend you for the care and planning you are putting in to this situation.

 

[SchlongConery]

Very well thought out, expressed and prudent.

Bravo!

 

[Rugbywolf]

An interesting read plus it's clear you have thought it out seriously for opening up again. I stated in another thread that perhaps waiting a couple of weeks after Phase 2 starts may be more prudent to see how things go especially since your business is much more intimate with more challenging issues than others such as salons and barbers.
I feel phase 2 will start up mid June since Phase 1 will officially start on Tuesday May 19th.
Good luck and kudos to your professional poll of which I did partake.
And I agree that it would probably benefit the industry if all agencies were on board and opened together. Plus be prepared as your client base will probably be limited to locals for some time. 6 of the largest Toronto conventions scheduled over the next 12 months have already been officially cancelled.

 

[boomboom]

An interesting read plus it's clear you have thought it out seriously for opening up again. I stated in another thread that perhaps waiting a couple of weeks after Phase 2 starts may be more prudent to see how things go especially since your business is much more intimate with more challenging issues than others such as salons and barbers.
I feel phase 2 will start up mid June since Phase 1 will officially start on Tuesday May 19th.
Good luck and kudos to your professional poll of which I did partake.
And I agree that it would probably benefit the industry if all agencies were on board and opened together. Plus be prepared as your client base will probably be limited to locals for some time. 6 of the largest Toronto conventions scheduled over the next 12 months have already been officially cancelled.

thank for the original post on your plan. I answered your survey & it was well thought out.
I agree with almost all your thoughts & suggest using the thought from above, wait 7-10 days from the start of phase 2 & see what happens in the GTA... if numbers stay low, then open up, and hopefully as a united front with other agencies. if there is a rogue opening, it could hurt &/or put unneeded pressure on others... whats 7-10 days more after all this.... play it safe.

thanks again
Boom

 

[eyenomad2]

Part 3: Safety Protocols After Restart

The following additional safety protocols will be implemented when Stage 2 begins:

1) Strict limitations on number of bookings, gaps between bookings, length of bookings, and lead time for bookings to ensure adequate time to ensure a clean workspace.

All SPs will have a limit on the number of clients they can see in a given day, and we will mandate at least 30 minutes between appointments for the same SP. We will attempt to ensure that no more than ONE SP work in a given location on a given day, and all SPs will have a 1hr minimum for bookings, as well as longer lead time for bookings than usual.

2) We will only permit bookings from clients who are verified, or have references.

No more bullshit, guys. From now on, if you aren't on our verified client list already (which means you've booked with us before from the SAME NUMBER), then you need a reference from an SP, a terb handle that we can verify, or a twitter handle that isn't locked and has some sort of reputable presence. No more burner numbers unless you use it regularly; this is a vital safety issue. If an SP winds up testing positive for COVID-19 at some point (which is likely to happen eventually) and you saw her within the past two weeks, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO CONTACT YOU RIGHT AWAY. We will use discretion and will not divulge any info about you, but we need to get in touch with you, for your safety and everyone else's. This is non-negotiable, and frankly, if you don't recognize the necessity of contact tracing within the industry, then you should probably not book SPs until this is over with. NO VERIFICATION, NO BOOKING.

3) No physical contact until AFTER YOUR SHOWER.

I understand, you haven't seen her in months, and all you want to do when you get there is give her a big long hug and sloppy wet kiss... Well, you've waited this long, you can wait a bit longer while you get yourself cleaned off. Showers have always been mandatory, but please respect that you have to make it your very first order of business when you arrive. Drop your envelope on the counter (or better yet, arrange to pay via etransfer before you arrive!), head straight to the bathroom with your coat and shoes, and get yourself clean before you give her a proper hello.

4) Respect SPs' service limits.

As mentioned above, our services are not as easily "distanced" as other services, and we recognize that some SPs and clients will not want to engage in the same services as before. Therefore, we will give our SPs absolute discretion to adjust their services at any time, for any reason. This has always been the case, of course, but it is vital that clients understand this explicitly before attempting a booking. We will ask the SPs to clarify the services they are currently offering on their respective pages, but as always, SPs will have the right to refuse any service to any client for any reason, no explanation required.

5) Prioritize everyone's health before, during, and after the booking.

If you feel the slightest symptoms, don't book, or if you prebooked, please cancel instead. If you are showing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, our SPs will not hesitate to eject you from the premises immediately. And, if you do come down with symptoms anytime after your booking, let us know right away. WE NEED TO KNOW IF THIS HAPPENS. Not just for the sake of the SP you saw, but for everyone else in this industry. If you don't intend to be responsible, DON'T BOOK SPs until this is over with.

These are all common sense policies, and we may choose to add or adjust to the policies above. If you have any questions, please ask at the time of the booking.

Remember, the market is merciless. Put in too many conditions (especially ones that affect a John's anonymity) and new market entrants will undercut your business.

 

[Butler1000]

I agree with coordination with the other major agencies. A united front is best. With rules, opening date, and policy.

As much as you can anyway.

 

[squeezer]

I cannot wait to see what shack, doggystyle99, Leslielake, t.o.leafs.fan, squeezer and their friends have to say about this.

Bet they won't say squat

Nikki has stated stage 2 which is a while away and depending on the numbers it could be a while before Ford pulls that card.

If you noticed their internal polling clearly says MOST CLIENTS have stayed away from the hobby. MOST are not in the open everything up camp as you are. I've seen more ladies in one week that you have seen in a month or maybe two prior pandemic and eventually I will return to that level of hobbying again once I feel it's safe to do so.

As for Allegra, they must do what they feel is necessary and only if the john's feel safe to return in stage 2 whenever that is will determine if it was the right decision.

I do feel for the agencies as they have to carry the burden of the leases on condos for their incalls. I do want all the agencies to return when it's safe to do so and be very successful as I've always been an agency user.

Bebe, for the most part, I don't agree with much of what you like to babble on and on about but I do agree with I will not book a session for a sub-par session. That being no bj, no kissing etc.... therefore again, I will not return until I feel it is safe to do so for both the lady and myself.

ps....you're wrong again and lost the bet eh?

 

[Valcazar]

This sounds well thought out and reasonable. I like the call for a united front but wouldn't particularly expect it from the industry. (although maybe a few reputable agencies might at least stick together).

Taking the cue from the government staging and making some thoughtful decisions on what risks you can and cannot take all seems solid. A question about the burner phone issue. If you have people verified through terb or other alternate contacts, doesn't that give you enough for tracing as you intend to do it? (Warning people they have been in contact with someone who tested positive?)

 

[jcpro]

Point number one, to avoid liability the agencies need to refuse service to anyone in the high risk group like the older men(funny, I know).Contact tracing is a non starter for the vast majority of the customers and pointless due to long incubation period. Also, most of the girls are fairly young, therefore, statistically, they will be asymptomatic. A shower is always a good idea, but makes no difference when you engage in the vigorous sexual activity. The vast majority of the customers who are infected will show no symptoms, either. So, you can screen to one's heart content, but in the end, it will work out about the same. You can open tomorrow or in June, it makes no difference as the virus will still be fairly common among the population. In the end the customers and the girls will weigh the risks for themselves and reach their own conclusions based on individual needs and wants. There are plenty of ladies that are already working(I'm not saying it's good or bad, it just is). Of course, as soon as the Oriental agencies hit the bricks, we're off to the races.

 

[itd131]

I don’t know what is right or wrong when it comes to these kinds of decisions but you have obviously thought this through carefully and are trying to work within Ontario’s public health guidelines so I commend you for the care and planning you are putting in to this situation.

+1 This seems reasonable, responsible and realistic.

 

[hedo rick]

Too soon.
I think this is a very bad idea.

Stage 3 is more realistic.

Notably, the CRA considers sex work taxable under the business code of "Other Personal Services".

This argument holds no water whatsoever. Taxes? Really?

I can't control anyone else's actions, but personally, I am 100% opposed and will not take part. At stage 2, I don't think it'll be a matter of if but when there is transmission of the virus because of this. And if a major outbreak occurs, I think there'll be significant backlash.

It's just not worth the risk, IMO.

 

[whitewaterguy]

The virus doesn’t give a shit about ill informed government plans designed by Queens Park clowns . It’s going to take only ONE asymptomatic escort or customer to continue spreading the disease, and unless the escorts and customers are tested daily , everyone’s playing high risk Russian roulette . But seemingly , we are all free to pick our poisons. What you think is risk reduction , will in fact serve to promote second wave infections and further lockdowns In months ahead. Foolish paper models based on zero science , to project a false sense of confidence and safety , are delusional, desperate , and not in the interest of community health . Your going to be no safer than randomly going into Walmart and hugging/groping strangers.

https://apple.news/AEZiA-1uaQsGclGoEGrcliA

 

[Spacealien2]

Just open now.

I haven't paid any attention to whatever regulations they are imposing. Just doing my normal thing. No masks, no washing hands more frequently. Never been sick. I haven't -seen- anyone that has been sick worse than the typical flu.

I'm going to trust my eyes rather than the hearsay from the TV.

 

[yomero5]

Contact tracing is a deal-breaker, for me. But thanks for being upfront about it. I won't use any agency that openly admits to and enforces contact tracing.

 

[Toronto Passions]

Part 4: Coordinated Reopening Strategy

I would like to suggest that the other Toronto entertainment establishments join with Allegra, and coordinate our reopening dates to align with Ontario Stage 2. Our entire industry has been rocked by this, and it's very possible that this will affect us for many months, perhaps even years. By agreeing to reopen at the same time, this would bring a number of advantages:

1) Providing certainty to clients for when things will restart;
2) Opportunity to quickly share details about clients who attempt to book when showing symptoms;
3) Avoid overwhelming the limited booking slots made available by the first agencies to reopen (and the first SPs to go on schedule);
4) Avoid targeting or criticism from those who think the reopening is too soon;
5) Safer overall conditions for SPs returning to work after a long layoff; and
6) Opportunity to show a strong degree of industry cohesiveness.

There are other advantages to coordinating our reopening strategy, but mostly, we're recognizing that we're all in this together. If (when?) COVID-19 appears in our industry, we'll all need to communicate with each other very quickly to avoid it from becoming a much larger problem, and agreeing to a coordinated reopening is a good start towards that goal.

Thanks for reading such a long post! Let's all stay safe, and hopefully things will continue to improve in the coming months.

In solidarity,
The Allegra Escorts Collective

Thanks for this post Nikki. And also, thank you for the positive communication during the beginning stages of this dilemma. Toronto Passions will stand with many well thought out aspects of this plan. We also hope to incorporate the use of temperature guns, and a mandatory questionnaire.

Very good post Nikki.

Philip