dated 2 February 2022
Schoonmakend Nederland has called on the government to use the day of the positive self-test as the start date for the mandatory seven-day quarantine. According to director of Schoonmakend Nederland, due to the long waiting times for a PCR test, absenteeism in the cleaning industry has exploded. “A clean and safe Netherlands is at stake,” he said.”
Absenteeism high due to mandatory quarantine
Rommelse argues that the government should recognise the day of the positive self-test as the start date for mandatory quarantine. “Cleaners already do regular self-tests as a precaution, even if they have no symptoms. In case of a positive result, it is government policy to immediately make an appointment for a PCR test. If that is also positive, only then does the official seven-day quarantine start. But because the GGD cannot handle the influx at the moment, you are a few days further on before it is your turn. As a result, some cleaners sit at home for more than 10 days. This is unsustainable. The damage to business owners and society runs into millions as a result.”
Double standards
The current quarantine rules distinguish between two situations in case of a positive test result: if you have tested in response to complaints, then - after the positive test result - a minimum quarantine of seven days after the first complaint applies. However, if you have tested without complaints, then the seven-day period applies from the PCR test date. Rommelse: “This distinction completely ignores the accurate self-test, when it is literally vital for society to function. Every day, there are thousands of people who still take the PCR test after a positive self-test. Switch the day of positive self-test right along with complaints, that saves extremely many unnecessary days of absenteeism, tons of money and guarantees a clean and safe Netherlands.”
Plea for free self-testing
In order to use the self-test as a valid tool, the government would have to provide free self-tests, however, the director believes. Rommelse: “We need to move towards a test society, in which everyone can quickly test themselves in case of complaints before going to work. That is the only way to get the Netherlands back to work quickly and responsibly. Because this could lead to excessive costs for some Dutch people, including our cleaners, we call on the government to provide free self-testing as soon as possible.”
English (UK)