Hotline launched for priority Covid testing for teachers, care workers

From today, employees in education and healthcare can get priority in being tested for the coronavirus by calling 0800-8101 to make an appointment. The helpline is open daily between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Over 1,300 people used the priority testing phone line within the first hour that it was open.

Priority testing is only available to healthcare workers and teachers and it is important that only they make use of it, the Ministry of Public Health said. Their identity will therefore be checked twice - by phone when they make an appointment, and at the test center when they go for their test.

The Ministry also called on employers to not misuse this regulation, so that the priority test centers don't get over full. 

This priority testing is a temporary measure until testing capacity is expanded.