As confinement measures have been relaxed across the Grand Duchy, the authorities decided to reduce the number of advanced care centres which were designed to relieve pressure on hospitals as part of the government’s response to the health crisis.
The four centres opened their doors on 23 March to accommodate patients displaying mild symptoms of coronavirus. Since their opening, around 9,000 consultations have taken place across the four centres. Sébastien Francais, director of the centres, said it was necessary to take quick action in assembling the centres.
660 people were part of the two centres that closed on Friday, including 200 volunteers, 325 people from the health sector, 90 doctors and 47 external staffers.
The personnel was made up of volunteers and staff that registered via the GovJobs platform, in an immense display of solidarity when confronted with the health crisis.
Authorities will continue to monitor the number of cases, and are ready to reassemble the centres in the event of a second wave. For now, Francais said he was happy to see the centres shut down, as it meant the pandemic was under control.
Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are still able to go to the advanced care centres at LuxExpo and the Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette, open every day between 10am or 6pm, or contact their doctor via teleconsultation. .
In the event of an emergency, they can visit hospital emergency departments.
