THEGAYUK

Tag: CoronaVirus

The latest news and updates on the Covid-19 pandemic and the LGBT+ community. Stay updated with the latest news and updates about Coronavirus with THEGAYUK.

  • G-A-Y Owner blasts ‘senseless, no logic’ 10 PM curfew

    G-A-Y Owner blasts ‘senseless, no logic’ 10 PM curfew

    The owner of one of the UK’s largest LGBT+ bar and club brands, G-A-Y, has blasted the government over its introduction of the 10 PM curfew, which sees most hospitality venues forced to close at the same time, across the country, in order to curb new cases of Coronavirus.

    Jeremy Joseph took to social media to say that the government’s decision to force all bars and restaurants to close at 10 PM was poorly thought out as it forced thousands of customers on to the streets of cities across the UK at the exact same time, just when the government has been stressing how important it is for people to socially distance themselves.

    He wrote, “On 24th September, the Government imposed a poorly thought 10 pm curfew on the hospitality industry. The curfew makes no sense, as we’ve seen it pushes people out into the streets in large numbers at the same time & packs them into public transport.”

    The 10 PM curfew, which was introduced on the 24th September, has added immense pressure to an already vulnerable sector, which, this year, has had to largely remain closed or trade with ever-increasing restrictions, making it near impossible for many venues to continue to trade. Last week, one LGBT+ bar in Cardiff said it would be closed indefinitely, while there have been reports of permanent closures in other parts of the UK.

    ‘Hospitality is the government’s scapegoat’

    Free-Photos / Pixabay

    Joseph said that he felt that the hospitality sector had been made into a “scapegoat” and added that there was no sense or logic to the curfew.

    He added, “Like so many other bars, pubs & restaurants, G-A-Y has done everything it can to make our venues Covid safe. The Government is forcing us to close Covid safe venues with no justification. It makes no sense!

    “The hospitality industry is being made a scapegoat. There is no sense or logic to this curfew & no publicly available scientific data that supports the curfew.

    “Today, G-A-Y has taken the first step to challenging the government and to stand-up to Matt Hancock and Boris Johnson.”

  • New 10 PM closure curfew restrictions force this LGBT+ bar to close

    New 10 PM closure curfew restrictions force this LGBT+ bar to close

    With a “heavy heart” Mary’s in Cardiff have announced that they are unable to keep the doors open after the latest restrictions for hospitality venues were announced earlier this week.

    Many bars and restaurants have reopened in the last month, many spending hundreds if not thousands of pounds becoming compliant to Government guidelines on being “COVID-secure”.

    A 10 PM curfew, along with other restrictions on the number of patrons bars can serve has left many venues struggling to make money.

    In a statement on social media the Cardiff bar, which is a popular venue with drag acts and cabaret performers said that due to the 10 PM closure times announced, that the bar would have to remain closed during the enforced period.

    “Not financially viable”

    They said, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform all our customers that due to the 10 pm closure notification that was imposed on us, that Mary’s will be closed during this period of time as it’s not financially viable for us to try and trade, maintain turnover and monitor costs with a 10 pm closure.”

    The bar had reopened once the rest of the hospitality industry was permitted to do so, and the management said that the team had worked hard to make the venue COVID-secure and work within the restrictions, “with panache”.

    They added, “It has been hard to operate Mary’s without the rest of our team, our DJ’s, Entertainment but we have done so and we have conformed fantastically to the new ways of operating

    “I like to think that even without our entertainment we still ensured you all enjoyed your visit to Mary’s”

    Fans are supporting the bar

    Fans of the bar were quick to let bar management that the community was behind the venue and fully supportive.

    One user added, “Sad to hear but once you’re reopened, we will be back. The whole community is behind you!” Another said, “I’m really saddened to read this and hope that you’ll be back soon. So many members of our community are behind you with their full support.”

  • This gay bathhouse has done something quite interesting while it can’t open as a sauna

    This gay bathhouse has done something quite interesting while it can’t open as a sauna

    Number 52 sauna in Newcastle has chosen to reopen, but it’s not quite as you’d expect.

    All gay bathhouses, like many businesses across the UK, were required by the government to close at the end of March, in order to flatten the curve of Coronavirus.

    Slowly parts of the UK’s economy have reopened and although some gay saunas have reopened, some remain closed.

    Number 52 has done something very different.

    In a Facebook post, Number 52 wrote, Number 52 is back… “Our venue has been temporarily repurposed”

    Where you’d normally find plenty of naked men, milling the halls of Number 52, you’re more likely to bump into a barista!

    You can now get a coffee in the steam room – minus the steam of course.

    They explained,

    “Number 52 will be reopening Sunday 30th August from 3pm until the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday

    “Our venue has been responsibly adjusted in accordance with current government guidelines. We have installed seating throughout, adapting the venue into a Cafe & Bar.

    “We’ve got alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, teas, coffees and we’ll also be serving food and snacks. Take this opportunity to see Number 52 in a different way.

    “Admission is temporarily free as we are operating as a Cafe & Bar. Everyone is welcome, pop on down and have a drink.”

  • Music ban “nail in the coffin” for gay bars in Scotland

    Music ban “nail in the coffin” for gay bars in Scotland

    A well-known LGBT+ bar in Aberdeen has called the decision to ban background music in hospitality venues a “nail in the coffin” and urgently called for a review into allowing music back in venues in Scotland.

    In a statement, Cheerz Bar in Aberdeen wrote, “We’ve gone from a party venue with Drag, DJ’s and Karaoke 7 Days a week, 365 Days a year to still be functional with table ordering and background music but recent changes in government legislation has stopped this in an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.”

    It also called for urgent help for the hospitality sector from both the Scottish and UK government. It said that the lack of support for bars and nightclub was “deeply disappointing”.

    The ban on background music was introduced by the Scottish Government on the 14th of August.

    The lack of music could lead to people avoiding bars altogether

    In the statement Cheerz owners laid out how they believed the ban on music would affect its customers’ behaviour, saying,
    ” – Customers will now get closer to have private conversations.

    – Customers will speak louder because music will no longer disperse the sound of other tables.

    – Customers will be more inclined to party at other households with music.

    Massive losses for hospitality sector

    Cheerz noted how businesses in the hospitality sector have sustained massive losses, due to “stock wastage, rental costs, water rates, equipment charges”.

    On top of this, Cheerz bar says it was sent a bill from Aberdeen City Council, looking for its annual licensing fees.

    “We are trying our hardest to keep our doors open at this time but ultimately we need to save our team’s jobs and our venue”, the statement added.

    “We’ve made it 10 years, and we hope to make it for another 10+ but this now depends on the actions of the Government.

  • These gay saunas have reopened in London

    These gay saunas have reopened in London

    Searches for gay saunas have skyrocketed on THEGAYUK, as gay, bi and curious men search to find out if bathhouses have reopened as lockdown in many business sectors eases.

    Here we find out which saunas in London have reopened and what services they are currently providing.

    Pleasuredrome

    Pleasuredrome is not yet opened but is planning to open in August. Once it has reopened the management have laid out some new safety policies. In a statement they said,

    “Pleasuredrome Spa remains committed to protecting all our friends and so we have also introduced state of the art measures such as airport-style temperature checks on entry, smart-sensor showers, ozone room disinfection, upgraded ventilation systems as well as an unceasing sanitisation and disinfection regime within the venue.”

    Chariots

    Is currently closed and they have not updated their Facebook page since March.

    Sailors Sauna

    On the 25th June Sailors Sauna in London announced that it was still closed, but will be providing updates on when it may be reopening.

    Sweatbox Soho

    Sweatbox Soho has now reopened and is open 24 hours a day. In a statement to THEGAYUK, they said,

    “We have now reopened and are back open 24 hours a day. Someone will get back to you shortly but in the mean time take a look at our website for pricing and further information”

    http://www.sweatboxsoho.com/

    Locker Room Sauna

    Locker Room hasn’t updated its Facebook page since Lockdown began in late March.

    E15 Club

    Again, the E15 Club, like other saunas in London remains closed.

    THEGAYUK has reached out to each of the businesses for the latest details and will update this page, when new information comes to light.

  • Joe Lycett has an interesting idea on how to get the hospitality trade back on its feet

    Joe Lycett has an interesting idea on how to get the hospitality trade back on its feet

    The Great British Sewing Bee presenter Joe Lycett has taken to social media to shine a spotlight on some of his favourite eateries, in an effort to get Britain eating out again.

    Of course, you may have heard of the Government’s scheme to help the ailing hospitality industry called, Eat Out To Help Out which encourages the UK’s citizens to don its collective mask and go and eat out, (but stay home unless absolutely necessary) at restaurants, pub and cafes around the UK, which have signed up to its Eat Out scheme. The scheme offers would-be punters a whopping 50 per cent off their food bills (maximum £10 per person).

    You can follow the online discourse by clicking on #EatOutToHelpOut.

    Support local

    Doing his part, Joe has highlighted some of his favourite eateries around the Birmingham area saying that Nandos “don’t need you right now”.

    However, it seems he has an issue with the campaign’s primary hashtag which is #EatOutToHelpOut calling it “discriminatory”. Instead, the comedian offered a number of other campaign slogans which may or may not whet your appetite, including

    Eat Out Or Wank Off A Lad For Dinner, or Handjob And A Curry and our personal favourite Spaff And A Snack.

    We’re not entirely sure restaurateurs are going to be 100 on board with this… but you never know.

  • New lockdown measures mean you can’t visit other people’s homes in these Northern towns this weekend

    New lockdown measures mean you can’t visit other people’s homes in these Northern towns this weekend

    Just as things were starting to loosen up, the Government has mandated that it is against the rules to meet with people outside your social bubble in your own home and has plunged a number of communities in England under local lockdown.

    As the weather has been warming up and Coronavirus restrictions ease, many people have been meeting with hookups and going on dates. However, if you’re living in a number of towns and cities in northern England, including one of the UK’s biggest LGBT+ communities, Manchester, you may have to hold off a few more weeks.

    The green light was never fully given by the Government on the resuming of hookups and dates, however reading between the lines of recent guidelines, many deemed it safe enough to hop back on their favourite dating app.

    Without warning

    Sudden lockdown measures have forced many people in some major northern cities in England to rethink their plans for the weekend after the government took the unprecedented steps to lock down a number of places without warning.

    The changes come after a spike in cases of Covid-19.

    https://twitter.com/i/events/1289157717383233536

    The cities include Greater Manchester, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale, Bradford, Rochdale, Calderdale, Kirklees and Leicester.

    However, people will still be able to visit pubs, restaurants and other businesses, providing they do so not to meet other people from other households.

    The gay scene in Manchester will remain open for business. Nevertheless, people who visit pubs and bars will need to drop off a contact name and number in order to help authorities track and trace should anyone visiting the premises be unknowingly carrying the virus.

  • Is there a safer way to bone during the COVID-era?

    Is there a safer way to bone during the COVID-era?

    We all know about condoms, right? Well, what counts as safer sex in the COVID pandemic?

    With hundreds of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 still being diagnosed in the UK, it’s not advised to have sex with anyone, but, you know it’s still going to happen, so how can you reduce your risk of infection, if you decide to hook up with someone?

    Well, it’s pretty simple in reality. Wearing a face mask and not kissing, are just two things you can do, which will eliminate some of the risks, and just sex is thought to be safer than kissing. But, please don’t mistake, you are still at risk.

    Two ways of reducing your COVID-19 risk

    Matthew Hodson, the Executive Director of AIDSMAP, recently tweeted this advice, “Ways to reduce risk of getting #COVID19 during sex include: Wear a mask. Have sex by yourself.

    Meanwhile, in the US, Doctor Demetre Daskalakis said that having sex in a mask was a “great strategy” in reducing the risk of passing on the Coronavirus. He also suggested that you could also try creating physical barriers which prevent face to face interaction but still allows sexual contact.

    So, gloryholes it is people!

    Speaking on 60 Minutes Doctor Demetre said, “the most efficient mechanism for transmitting COVID-19 is through droplets. So, if you’re going to pant and have heavy breathing, throw on a mask. It’s called ‘source control’.

    “We’re still not going to give you a big green light for kissing. I wish I could. That’s probably a higher risk of exposure than sex.”

    Is COVID-19 sexual transmitted?

    There is some data that shows that coronavirus is present in semen, and earlier on in the pandemic, it was thought that it could also be transmitted through rimming. However, more research needs to take place.

    It’s not been found in vaginal secretions or fluids.

    Main picture by NEXTDOORSTUDIOS – get your subscription here

  • Here’s how to ask someone to put their face covering on without it turning into a Twitter-worthy meltdown

    Here’s how to ask someone to put their face covering on without it turning into a Twitter-worthy meltdown

    By now, we’ve all seen those people on social media who have melted down because they were confronted by someone asking them to don their (now mandatory) face masks. The question is how to do you ask someone to put on their mask, with it going nuclear?

    As face coverings become mandatory while using public transport and shopping in many parts of the UK from tomorrow, in order to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, there are many people who are still not masking up. While masks won’t necessarily stop you from contracting Coronavirus, most masks, especially if they are double-layered, will slow down the spread, by collecting droplets from your mouth and nose when you speak, cough or sneeze.

    Councillor Daniel Browne, a psychotherapist and author specialising in helping people to eliminate anxiety and building confidence, told us that explaining to the non-mask wearer that your concern is for your health and others around you might be the way to go.

    He said, “I think the most important thing is to be calm when having the conversation.

    Saying something like “I’m really worried about my health and everyone else’s health. That’s why it would be great for you and everyone to be wearing a mask. We all have a part to play in protecting everyone’s health as much as possible”, could be the way to diffuse any confrontatational situation.

    He also suggested that giving some factual information on mask use could also be key in keeping things calm.

    Showing pride while wearing the mask

    Part of the face mask issue for many is that we also lose part of our identity when wearing a mask. The people you are interacting with can’t see your facial expressions and it’s almost impossible to see if you’re happy, angry, surprised or just damn bored.

    But there is a way to retain some of your identity, by choosing a face mask that has a cool design on the front. We’ve discovered some amazing face masks that can help you show your pride while wearing a face covering.

  • This is how to avoid skin damage from wearing your face mask

    And here’s how to protect your face from damage caused by wearing PPE for long periods.

    Reddened skin, sores, breakouts and even bruising have all been reported on social media, so we’ve spoken to GP and aesthetic doctor for skin-tech brand FOREO Dr. Raj Arora for her top tips and advice on keep your skin healthy.

    Apply a protective barrier cream such as ‘Cavilon Barrier Film’, an alcohol-free, hypoallergenic topical cream. It can act as a protective layer between the skin and the PPE mask. This will help to reduce irritation and sores from continual applied pressure.

    Maintain a simple and consistent skin routine. Cleanse with a calming/soothing cleanser. For a deeper yet gentler cleanse, the LUNA 3 by FOREO removes 99.5% of dirt, oil and sweat and has massage modes which help alleviate sore skin.  

    Omit aggressive skincare ingredients such as retinol or exfoliating acids as these can leave the skin sensitive and more prone to chafing/breakdown when continued pressure is applied.

    Add a protective paraffin-based ointment to your skincare routine such as Epaderm or Vaseline to help protect irritated/sore areas of the skin.

    Hydration is also key. The skin’s barrier is the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and it shields skin from bacteria and irritants. It also seals in moisture and hydration. To ensure the barrier is healthy, it is important to drink plenty of fluid throughout the day (at least 2 litres). Additionally, FOREO’s UFO 2 and Farm to Face masking collection can help calm and hydrate your skin. This will allow our skin barrier to remain well hydrated, moisturised and resilient. 

    Aftercare is important too! For those with sensitive skin, ensure you are following a skin routine. After removing the mask, gently wash the face with a calming cleanser such as Sensicalm from Alumier. Moisturise using a ceramide based moisturiser. Follow up with any barrier creams/ointments to any particularly sensitive or sore areas. 

    Don’t forget the vitamins. To help treat any nasty bruising from the masks ensure that you have a diet rich in Vitamin C as this is essential for collagen production. Collagen encourages the renewal of cells and therefore helps repair wounds on the skin.

    In areas that are particularly sore – you could use a sterile thin piece of gauze or hydrocolloid dressing as an additional barrier. Such as ‘Duoderm extra thin’ or a soft silicone tape. This may be particularly helpful in the sensitive areas like the bridge of the nose. It is, of course, important to ensure that the seal is maintained between skin and mask. 

    Stay make up free as much as possible

    (C) james-jonathan-pUMvLj8TCbA-unsplash

    Dr Arora warns that heavy make-up underneath the mask can mix with sweat/moisture and contribute to clogging pores. 

    “Due to the humidity under the mask there will be excess sebum production and multiplying skin bacteria which can result in acne. I would recommend staying make-up free if possible. But if you feel the need to wear foundation/concealer then my recommendations for make-up would be to use a mineralised foundation/powder such as Bare Minerals Blemish Rescue powder. Mineralised make-up is oil-free and provides a gentle approach to the skin.

    “To help prevent breakouts after using PPE ensure that you use a new clean mask where possible and if you must re-use your mask then ensure you are wiping it clean after use with an alcohol-based spray. Leave it to dry before wearing it. After removing your mask ensure you cleanse your face thoroughly and use a gentle toner to remove any extra residue. I would also recommend using a ceramide based cream moisturiser to help prevent irritation and soothe acne-prone or sensitive skin. You could also use a blue light device in areas that are prone to breakouts to help reduce the acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Espada by FOREO is an easy to use the home device. Prescribed spot treatments such as benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be applied to isolated spots once the mask has been removed.” 

  • Is it safe to meet someone off Grindr yet?

    Is it safe to meet someone off Grindr yet?

    It’s been well over 100 days since the UK went into lockdown at the end of March and its citizens were heavily restricted in order to “flatten the curve” of the Coronavirus.

    But as these restrictions are slowly lifted and certain elements of lockdown have been eased or removed, we ask, what does the government say about meeting with people for sex – especially when it comes to Grindr or dating hookups?

    Of course, the government doesn’t specifically mention hook up apps or whether you can meet with someone for specifically for the purposes of sex, however, it has outlined its guidelines when it comes to inviting people from other households into your own.

    Can I invite someone over from Grindr, Jack’d, Hornet or Scuff?

    There’s no overriding rule for the UK, each of the four nations, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have their own regulations and rules when it’s come to their coronavirus response.

    In England, you can have someone from a different household enter your home. The government advises against socialising in groups of more than two households. This means you could have a hook up with someone, the question is, should you? That is up to you in the end.

    The government does recommend physical distancing and good hygiene practices. You may not stay overnight at someone’s house unless they are part of your “bubble”.

    In Scotland, you can meet up with 2 other households at a time in your own home. However, the Scottish government is warning people to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres “at all times”.

    In Wales, two or more households can become an “extended household” which allows them to “have physical contact and stay in each other’s homes.” The Welsh government says that all other households have to meet outdoors.

    In Northern Ireland, since the 23rd June meetings of up to six people have been permitted. However, the government in Northern Ireland suggest limiting the duration of the visits, ensuring good ventilation, maintaining good hand hygiene and physical distancing where possible. Overnight stays are not permitted.

    [totalpoll id=”120564″]

    Remember, Covid-19 is still prevalent in the UK and it highly transmittable.

    Back in March our Agony Uncle, said that if people were going to continue to hook up that it would be a good opportunity to talk to partners about their health and their safety.

    He wrote, “I think coronavirus could be a good engine for change or adaptation for our community. It might invite us to start talking more openly about our sexual health, testing and well-being in general and there’s no harm in having a conversation with someone about their health before you hook up.

    “The more we talk about these things, hopefully, the less stigma there is attached to our health”.

    You should swap contact details with people you hook up with to help with track and trace.
    Photo by Negative Space on Pexels.com

    It’d also be wise to make sure you have the contact details of any of that you do have sex with, in order to help with any tracking or tracing, in case you or they become infected with Covid-19.

    What about sexual health services are they open?

    face mask on blue background
    Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

    Not exactly, unfortunately, many of the UK’s sexual health services are not open to bookings for regular sexual health checkups – but to a phone triage service.

    Back in May, Doctor Naomi Sutton took to Twitter to remind followers that the NHS sexual services were still available and that anyone who needed them should phone their usual sexual health clinic and access the current phone consulting services being offered.

    She told us, “Sexual health services are operating phone consultations, posting contraception, screening tests and medication when needed and seeing patients face to face where necessary”