Requirements for proof of SARS-CoV-2 testing: ethical and legal conditions

The Dutch cabinet is exploring the extent to which SARS-CoV-2 testing requirements may further individual freedoms and improve public health. The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport asked the Health Council of the Netherlands to specify ethical and legal conditions for responsible utilisation. Hereto the Council has established a framework. According to the Council, the government will have to perform an assessment per situation whether testing requirements for access to a specific facility is justifiable. This will depend on whether testing requirements are considered in e.g. education, healthcare, working environments or for social events. Testing requirements may further individual freedom in some situations – such as during a lockdown – but restrict it in others. This depends inter alia on the public health restrictions that are in force at that particular point in time.