COVID-19 has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations across the U.S. Street-based sex workers are one vulnerable population whose health and impact of COVID-19 have been understudied to date. The goal of this study was to evaluate findings from a community needs assessment with street-based sex workers on impact of COVID-19 on health behaviors and social circumstances. A brief survey was developed at a community-based harm reduction and recovery services organization. Surveys were administered by peer specialists to street-based sex workers during street outreach in April and May 2020. A total of 46 surveys were analyzed. Many individuals reported continuing to do sex work and use substances during the COVID pandemic. Slightly more than a quarter of individuals (n = 13; 28.3%) indicated using personal protective equipment while doing sex work and described challenges to using precautions when working with clients. Individuals had used marijuana (n = 32, 71.1%), cocaine (n = 17, 39.5%), prescription stimulants (n = 9, 21.4%), methamphetamines (n = 5, 11.9%), prescription opioids (n = 12, 27.3%), street opioids (n = 12, 27.3%), sedatives (n = 11, 25.0%), hallucinogens (n = 3, 6.8%), inhalants (n = 3, 7.0%), or some other substance (n = 4, 8.7%) in the past 30 days. About half (48.8%) reported that COVID-19 had a major impact on their lives. This study is among the first to characterize the impact of COVID-19 on street-based sex workers. From a public health standpoint, this group also represents a high-priority population given their vulnerability and close contact with others, which increases the potential for community spread.

COVID-19 对美国各地的弱势群体造成了不成比例的影响 街头性工作者是一个弱势群体，迄今为止，其健康状况和 COVID-19 的影响尚未得到充分研究。本研究的目的是评估针对街头性工作者的社区需求评估结果，以了解 COVID-19 对健康行为和社会环境的影响。一个以社区为基础的减少伤害和恢复服务组织开展了一项简短的调查。在 2020 年 4 月和 2020 年 5 月的街头外展活动中，同行专家对街头性工作者进行了调查。共分析了 46 份调查。许多人报告说在 COVID 大流行期间继续从事性工作和吸毒。略多于四分之一的人（n = 13; 28.3%) 表示在从事性工作时使用个人防护设备，并描述了在与客户合作时采取预防措施的挑战。个人使用过大麻 ( n  = 32, 71.1%)、可卡因 ( n  = 17, 39.5%)、处方兴奋剂 ( n  = 9, 21.4%)、甲基苯丙胺 ( n  = 5, 11.9%)、处方阿片类药物 ( n  = 12 ) , 27.3%)、街头阿片类药物 ( n  = 12, 27.3%)、镇静剂 ( n  = 11, 25.0%)、致幻剂 ( n  = 3, 6.8%)、吸入剂 ( n  = 3, 7.0%) 或其他一些物质( ñ = 4, 8.7%) 在过去 30 天。大约一半 (48.8%) 报告说 COVID-19 对他们的生活产生了重大影响。这项研究是首批描述 COVID-19 对街头性工作者影响的研究之一。从公共卫生的角度来看，这一群体也代表了高优先级人群，因为他们的脆弱性和与他人的密切接触增加了社区传播的可能性。