Many voices are raised in the House of Representatives – just like healthcare providers and the police – to also exempt private security guards from the 1,5 meter measure. This is evident from questions and comments that parliamentary parties have addressed to Ministers Grapperhaus (Justice and Security) and De Jonge (Public Health, Welfare and Sport).
The Dutch Security Industry, which had previously urged this, is pleased with this development. “Security guards fulfill an important public function,” says Ard van der Steur, chairman of the Dutch Security Industry. “Just like employees of the police, fire brigade and healthcare, they cannot observe the requested 1,5 meters in some circumstances. It is nice to hear that there is a broad understanding of this in parliament.”
Bill
The reason for the comments from the House of Representatives is the bill Temporary Measures COVID-19, which the government submitted to the House of Representatives two months ago. This states that only a limited number of professional groups (police, healthcare) are exempted from the 1,5 meter rule. Private security is not mentioned in the bill, but is now mentioned by the House of Representatives.
"After all, a private security guard can also end up in a situation due to his work in which it is impossible to keep his distance," says D66. VVD, PvdA and SGP also ask the minister why private security guards are not mentioned in the bill as an exception to the 1,5 meter rule. The Dutch Security Industry would consider it a logical step to adjust this in the new legislation.
Source: security news.nl