Kristel and Sabien, among others, wonder, now that many people catch a cold in this autumn period. Think of a runny nose, cough or sore throat. Then it is important to have yourself tested, because these are also symptoms that fit Covid-19.
But then: it sometimes happens that you have to wait before being tested because of the busyness at the test streets and the laboratories. And then it may take a while before you get the results. In some cases it will take you four to five days. And perhaps your complaints are long gone and you want to go outside again.
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The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is clear: stay at home until the results are known. “Do not go shopping or receive visitors. Let others do the shopping or have them delivered, make sure that someone else walks the dog”, it says. on the website.
Spokesperson Coen Berends of the RIVM can well imagine that it is annoying when it happens to you. “I understand the problem, in some regions you have to wait longer for a result than actually intended. But the rule is that you stay at home until your test result is known. However tempting it may be.”
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Mouth mask
Especially now, in this period where infections soar, it is extra important to adhere to the rules. Berends: “We still do not know everything about the virus. But even if you are now free of complaints that you have had, it cannot be ruled out that you will spread the virus. Despite mild complaints, it may still be the case that you have contracted the coronavirus and that you are contagious. So just wait for the test result. “
But can’t you go to the supermarket with a mouth cap to prevent infecting others? The answer to that is: no. The RIVM has always been cautious about recommending mouth masks, because on the one hand there would be no conclusive evidence that they are effective and on the other hand would lead to false safety: those who wear a mouth mask might be less able to observe other rules.
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So if you still need groceries while you wait for a test result, arrange for someone else to do it for you. Housemates without complaints and who do not wait for a test are allowed to take to the streets. Apply to them the basic rules that apply to everyone in the Netherlands.
After the rash
If your test result is negative, you were not infected with the corona virus at the time of the test. You can then do what you normally would, for example to the store, work or school.
There are a few exceptions: You can’t go outside if you live in the house or have been in close contact with someone who has corona. Or if you have just returned from a country with an orange or red travel advice, or if a housemate has complaints with fever and / or shortness of breath. In that case, you will stay at home for the remaining days of the 10-day quarantine period.
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Do you get new symptoms that may be consistent with infection with the new corona virus, or have your symptoms worsened after you have been tested? Then stay at home and call the national corona test number again on 0800-1202.
And what to do if you have tested positive, but have no complaints? “If you are still free of complaints after 72 hours, you can get out of isolation,” says the RIVM. “Those 72 hours are to wait to see if you will develop symptoms. If you have corona and do experience symptoms, you have to be in isolation for at least 7 days, until you have no more symptoms for at least 24 hours.”
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