The Dutch government has agreed to make surgical face masks and self tests available to people on minimum incomes after all.

In total, 10 million self tests and 10 million masks will be distributed to local authorities for allocation to low income households – enough for six tests and six masks for people living on or below the poverty line up to May.

A further 5.5 million tests and masks will go the 30 local authority areas with a high number of infections and low vaccination take up rates. These are likely to be mainly concentrated in the south and in the Bible belt areas.

More details about the scheme will be published next week and the scheme is likely to become operational in mid February.

Face masks are currently compulsory in shops, on public transport and in all indoor spaces, while self testing is recommended before visiting friends. Schools are already providing tests to pupils free of charge.

Tests currently cost upwards of around €3 in the Netherlands, while surgical quality masks can be bought in packs of 10 for €2.50 at high street drugs stores.