Some of the education and care staff will receive priority for corona tests from next Monday, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) reports Friday.
Some of the education and care staff will receive priority for corona tests from next Monday, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) reports Friday.
The plan is to test these people in the morning as much as possible, so that they get their results that same day. From Monday, they can make a test appointment via a special telephone number of the GGD, which will be announced that morning.
The priority system was announced a week ago by Minister Hugo de Jonge (Public Health), but can only be introduced on Monday due to the necessary preparations. For example, call center employees must be trained and new agreements with laboratories are necessary.
“It is important that only those who qualify for priority use this number,” the ministry emphasizes. “That is why a check takes place at two times: by telephone and in the test line.”
In addition, employers are asked not to make unnecessary use of the priority system. School leaders must determine whether an employee is eligible for this procedure.
Not everyone is given priority
Not all education and health personnel are given priority. The scheme applies to staff in (special) primary and secondary education who cannot be replaced. They are given priority if children otherwise have to be sent home.
Healthcare involves employees who, among other things, cannot be replaced by a colleague and who are also essential for patient and client care and the continuity of care. The details of who qualifies for the priority system can be found on the website of the National Government.
The temporary priority system was created due to staff shortages in both sectors. At the moment, the demand for corona tests is greater than the capacity in the laboratories, which means that test persons have to wait a long time for a test appointment and result. The cabinet expects the capacity problems to be resolved in October.
