Second test confirms coronavirus; patient is "doing well"

The first case of coronavirus in the Grand Duchy was officially confirmed during a press conference on Saturday.  The government has since launched a pandemic crisis unit.

On Sunday, the government issued a statement in which it confirmed the patient was hospitalised in isolation, no longer showing symptoms and doing well overall.

The man returned from Northern Italy via Charleroi airport, and, after displaying symptoms of the virus, contacted the Sanitary Inspection Unit in line with the recommendations. Initial testing in Luxembourg suggested the patient had contracted COVID-19.

The diagnosis was confirmed after a second test was carried out in a Rotterdam laboratory.

LOW RISK FOR POPULATION

The government's crisis unit has not ruled out the possibility of other cases in Luxembourg.

Measures are in place to limit the spread of the virus, with the patient's family placed in quarantine for preventative reasons. However, at this stage, none of the people in contact with the first patient have shown symptoms of the virus, and first tests have all come up negative.

The public should continue to follow prior guidance, including washing hands thoroughly and covering sneezes with elbows or tissues.

A hotline has been set up for those who could potentially be affected by the virus, to be activated from 2pm on Monday 2 March.