Minister Hugo de Jonge says that Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht; The Hague, Groningen, and Eindhoven may all get rapid test locations
Seven large test locations will be built in the Netherlands where, in addition to the normal Coronavirus tests, various types of rapid tests will also be offered. One of them is likely to be in Groningen, with the new ‘test street’ likely to give results after fifteen minutes. This is considerably faster than with current tests, which often require a day or more to wait for the results.
Minister Hugo de Jonge wrote about the initiative in a letter to the Lower House of the Dutch parliament today. He stated that he is currently conducting “intensive discussions” with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Groningen and Eindhoven, GIC.nl reports
According to Nu.nl, rapid test results are displayed in a similar manner to pregnancy tests. Samples are taken in the nose and throat with a cotton swab; and after fifteen minutes, a result is known.
According to RTL Nieuws, the fast LAMP test developed by the TNO will be used at the new test sites. In addition, it is the intention that ‘antigen tests’, which check for specific virus proteins, and a breathalyser that gives an immediate result, will also be available.
The first rapid test locations in the Netherlands will open at the end of November, the minister said. But it is not yet known whether Groningen is also part of this, and where exactly the test street in Groningen will be.
Image: A US CDC testing kit. Via Wikimedia user Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public realm.
