As long as the vaccination rate is still low, large-scale testing must be carried out in education to prevent new corona outbreaks. That’s what epidemiologist and psychologist Esther Metting of the University of Groningen says in an interview with the General Newspaper.
The newspaper looks ahead to the new school year. Next month, the cabinet will make a decision about the corona measures that should apply at the start of the new school year. According to Metting, it is important to test on a large scale. The epidemiologist is not referring to the use of non-binding self-tests. “We have to learn to live with the virus, so stopping education is not an option in the long term. At the same time, the infection rates do not look favourable at the moment. As long as not everyone is vaccinated, testing is absolutely necessary.”
Test with test streets
According to Metting, the testing also works. In recent months, a trial took place in Groningen with test streets for higher education and senior secondary vocational education. 25 corona outbreaks were prevented with these test streets. This kind of testing can prevent another school closure. “Because education is pre-eminently the place where people are close together. Often keeping a distance is simply not always possible during the learning process.”
Test area
Metting does not worry about test readiness, as long as you make it easy for the students. Large-scale testing can also be of value to secondary schools. “There are also vulnerable teachers in front of the class. In addition, young people can also develop long-term complaints after corona. And if the virus continues to circulate, mutations against which vaccines may no longer work, or less well, will also arise.”
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