More and more schools are experimenting with rapid self-tests and pulse thermometers to prevent the spread of the corona virus among students. The goal is to be able to continue to teach physically as much as possible.
Outgoing Minister van Engelshoven today launched a pilot with rapid tests at schools in the Amsterdam region. The outgoing cabinet expects to make it available for education from mid-April.
Good news, says scientist Frank Cornelissen of the University of Amsterdam. “If you add all the students together, you get 3.5 million people. And to that are the parents. So it is a very large group and I think that is of major importance,” he says. NH News. Cornelissen states that everything must be done to open and keep all schools open.
Measure temperature
Nationwide experiments with temperature meters have also been carried out since Wednesday. Including at the Kennemer Lyceum in Overveen.
“I have 36.4”, says a graduating student. He just held his wrist to a temperature gauge. This gives a signal when someone has a temperature above 37.5 degrees. In that case, the student gets an extra measurement in the ear. If that meter also indicates an increase, the student must go home.
Researcher Omar de Boer is conducting the research at the school on behalf of the VU University in Amsterdam. “We investigate the reliability of the meters and we see whether it changes the behavior of the students,” he says NH News. “We expect that if children know that they are being measured, they will be more likely to stay at home in case of complaints.”
The test with the temperature meters will last until July. At the end, the students are asked about their experiences. They are not required to participate in the experiment.
The General Education Union is still somewhat critical of the whole situation. According to the educational organization, every bit can help, but quick tests and temperature meters are not the solution. “You cannot oblige such a thing,” said spokesman Rob Voorwinden. He prefers to see the teaching staff vaccinated soon after the care staff. According to him, teachers are extremely concerned about their own health and that of their loved ones.
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