Prime Minister Xavier Bettel addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by the National Health Directorate's Dr. Jean-Claude Schmit, confirming that restaurant terraces will be permitted to reopen from 7 April.
The PM took to the podium to explain the restrictions in place for the reopening of terraces, and to advise on the government's decision to extend the current measures for a further three weeks, until 25 April.
The decision to allow restaurants to open outdoor areas is largely a symbolic one, according to Bettel - the industry will continue to receive financial aid from the government, but the reopening represents the sector's plea to become "part of the solution" some weeks ago.
However, one should not take the announcement as a sign that the situation is easing in Luxembourg. The R rate is still over 1 and is therefore too high. The incidence rate is roughly 250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In addition, the number of new infections is wildly unpredictable, dropping below 200 one day, soaring to 353 the next. Despite this, Bettel said there had not been an exponential increase in infections, nor in hospitalisations, over recent weeks, unlike in neighbouring countries.
The situation will be monitored over the next week. Bettel said the government were prepared to shelve the terrace reopening in the event that hospitalisations increase. The premier ruled out a "zero Covid" full lockdown strategy, however, stating that it could not be justified given the low number of patients currently in intensive care.
Vaccination campaign
The fifth vaccine centre will open at Luxembourg's Air Rescue centre on 12 April, thus increasing the Grand Duchy's capacity to 55,000 vaccinations per week. Bettel said a sixth centre was planned to open at the LuxExpo in Kirchberg to prepare for the expected bulk deliveries which will take place throughout April. 134,000 doses are expected to be delivered from three suppliers by the end of the month, according to Bettel. The Johnson & Johnson jab is thought to be distributed from mid-April onwards.
The vaccine uptake has also increased in Luxembourg over recent weeks. Some 78,000 doses have been administered thus far, with 19,000 people now fully vaccinated. As of this Friday, people who cannot visit a vaccination centre for health or mobility reasons will be able to receive the jab at home.
Rapid tests availability
A list of rapid test suppliers has been distributed to supermarket chains in Luxembourg, to allow them to place orders. The tests are expected to become readily available to members of the public. Bettel said this will help with the reopening of restaurants, in tandem with the test roll-out in schools, care homes and workplaces.
50€ hotel vouchers extended
The vouchers have been extended for a third time and will now be valid until 15 September. Bettel said around 108,000 vouchers had been used to date, and praised the scheme for its contribution to the country's economy.
