Defence ministry staff are being drafted in to help in nursing and care homes in Groningen, Twente and parts of Gelderland because of the shortage of workers, justice minister Ferd Grapperhaus has confirmed.

Around 1,000 defence ministry personnel are on standby to help out nationwide and will be available until at least February, Grapperhaus told broadcaster NOS. The defence ministry is providing a wide range of staff, from doctors and nurses to ward orderlies and admin workers.

Groningen and Twente’s regional safety boards made an urgent appeal for extra help on Monday, saying their care home services are at breaking point.

Nursing homes have been hit by absenteeism rates of up to 10% because of coronavirus and some have said residents will have to go without regular services such as showers because of the shortage of staff.

The decision to bring in the military was made at Monday’s regular meeting of the 25 regional public safety boards.