According to a coalition of experts, Siliguri could see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths if the Khalpara Red-Light Area opens. However, an extended closure of the red light area could reduce cumulative COVID-19 cases and deaths by over 90% by the peak of the epidemic. The model further projects an additional 54 days of delay in the peak if the Khalpara red light area remains closed. The model was created by experts at Harvard Medical School and the Yale School of Medicine. The model shows that if the Khalpara red-light area starts operating, the disease will spread quickly in the red light area and infect a large percentage of sex workers and customers. Siliguri could face over 50 times more hospitalizations and 44 times more deaths in the first 90 days after lockdown if the red light area reopened. The study recommends that sex workers need opportunities to gain skills that provide employment in lower-risk jobs. Recent media reports show that some sex workers have begun exploring other employment options. The efforts to close the red light area and help sex workers find lower-risk jobs would save many lives in Siliguri.
Dr Abhishek Pandey, Yale University, co-author of the study said, “Residents of red light areas including sex workers, pimps, and brothel managers are at higher risk of infection.” Smarajit Jana, a doctor and chief advisor of Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC), said: “It would be of great danger if the sex workers are allowed to operate as soon as the lockdown is lifted.” Dr Sudhakar Nuti, Harvard Medical School, said, “It is important that the Khalpara Red Light Area remains closed until a vaccine is developed and widely distributed to protect sex workers and the people of West Bengal.”
