RTL Today - Updated - "we need to act rather than react": Luxembourg bans events of more than 1,000 people until 31 March

The press briefing took place after the state council meeting. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, Minister for Tourism Lex Delles, Minister of health Paulette Lenert, and Minister of Economy Franz Fayot took stock of the situation and repercussions of coronavirus in Luxembourg.

An exceptional state council meaning took place this Wednesday afternoon. Officials including Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Health Paulette Lenert took stock of the coronavirus situation in Luxembourg.

Bettel started the press conference by stressing that the public should not panic but, simultaneously, not take the potential threat too lightly. He explained that that virus posed a a threat particularly to the elderly and to people with preexisting conditions. The prime minister added that Luxembourg was still in the "containment phase," which means that health authorities are above all focusing on preventing the virus from spreading.

Xavier Bettel: We need to "act rather than react"

Bettel then explained that health officials are actively taking precautionary measures to prevent the virus from spreading. He stressed that stricter measures were taken by health officials. In his words, it is important to "anticipate" and to "act rather than react." The precautionary measures should take place both on the official and on the individual level. Bettel reiterated the importance of frequent hand washing. Individuals should also avoid hand shaking and other close physical contact. He stressed that it was important to protect the most vulnerable members of society and, whenever possible, avoid visiting elderly people. This applies above all if you display symptoms commonly associated with coronavirus.

The public is invited to consult the FAQ available on the site for general information and preventive measures. People who fear they may have contracted the virus are urged not to go to an emergency room or to consult a general practitioner, Bettel emphasised. Instead, a hotline is available for any questions or concerns under the number 8002 8080.

Bettel then handed over to Paulette Lenert, who proceeded to present a range of new precautionary measures.

Lenert explained that 76 people have been quarantined in Luxembourg. These individuals will need to spend 14 days in self-isolation. Seven patients have tested positive as of today. Health authorities are actively testing people in Luxembourg, Lenert stressed. Even though the situation has worsened in Europe (Italy is approaching 20,000 infections) and the death toll in rising across EU member states, Luxembourg remains in the first containment phase.

The three phases are:
1) Containment phase
2) Cluster phase (when several regions of a country are placed under quarantine because individual tracing becomes impossible - this will unlikely be the case in Luxembourg due to the country's minuscule size).
3) The virus has fully arrived.

New precautionary measures

As of today, all events attracting more than 1,000 people will be cancelled. In other words, this is no longer a mere recommendation. For now, this measure applies until 31 March. Lenert specified that officials are also working on analysing the potential risks of each event. Organisers are invited to contact the health inspectorate for guidance and advice.

From next week onward, three of Luxembourg's "maison medicales" will be open during the day (8am to 4pm) rather than merely at night. This concerns one medical home in the south, one in the north, and one in the centre of the Grand Duchy. Patients will reportedly receive face masks to reduce the risk of proliferation of the virus.

School closures (this may also be of interest for parents with kids in private schools) could occur in the near future depending on the development of the situation. Children should under no circumstances visit their grandparents if the former display any symptoms. If a child is quarantined, Lenert explained, one parent will be allowed to stay at home with the child. This additional time-off will not reduce yearly paid leave of employees.

The ministry of health is also working on making it a possibility to call a doctor in order to request time-off under these special circumstances. This measure is still in the making but Lenert showed herself optimistic that this could soon be the case. Officials are also discussing the possibility of introducing teleworking with Luxembourg's insurance companies.

The short-time working scheme is also intended to protect jobs in companies encountering structural difficulties, cyclical economic problems or economic difficulties due to coronavirus.

Lenert also underlined that the next step will be to shield vulnerable people even more efficiently from the virus. More updates and further information on the implementation of additional precautionary measures will follow towards the end of the week.

Protecting Luxembourg's economy and finance sector

Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Tourism Lex Delles explained that tourism was suffering across Europe. Many trips were cancelled over the last weeks and fewer people are booking holidays over coronavirus fears. Frequently asked tourism-related questions and answers can be found on the government's website. Delles explained that the government is determined to support individual firms. Small and medium-sized companies in particular will be eligible for financial aid if they fulfil certain criteria. Firms may for example have to outline how coronavirus has negatively impacted business and revenue.

This aid package includes a repayable advance that the state provides to companies experiencing financial difficulties due to coronavirus. Officials will try to make the process of compensation as "easy and fast" as possible, Delles explained.

Minister of Finance Frany Fayot explained that around 50 companies have contacted the ministry of economy to enquire about the possibility of reduced working hours. Officials are likely to increase flexibility of working times if the situation worsens in the near future. The economic repercussions of coronavirus are heart-felt in Luxembourg with several industries affected, Fayot underlined. The minister reiterated that the short-term working scheme would be generously applied. More information to follow.

Xavier Bettel added that Luxembourg was in favour of finding and promoting collective solutions with other European member states but conceded that not all European leaders are seeing eye to eye on this issue. There is currently no joint strategy for the EU, with many countries choosing their own strategies to deal with the epidemic. Bettel reportedly demanded that the European Commission monitor the supplies of medical equipment and ensure that each member state has equal access to the equipment. Scientific efforts should also be upped to develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.

Bettel concluded that flexibility was paramount. Extraordinary circumstances may dictate the implementation of new measures. If Europe fails to remain flexible, then "we haven't understood anything," the prime minister emphasised. According to Bettel, the government will continue to take coronavirus seriously and inform the public of new developments. He reiterated that each individual has a responsibility to play his or her part to protect society's most vulnerable members. He stressed that it is our collective duty to protect our grandparents, elderly citizens, and other people who may be particularly at risk.

Bettel concluded the press briefing by thanking the competent ministries, individual services, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) and the multitude of volunteers who go the extra mile to inform and protect Luxembourg's public. He explained that close to 700 people call the coronavirus hotline each day, and stressed that "we want to do everything we can" to keep potential risks as low as possible.

Questions and answers

Bettel then opened the floor for journalists to ask questions. When questioned about the possibility of bringing to life drive-through coronavirus testing in Luxembourg, Paulette Lenert explained that this option was not yet considered by health officials in the Grand Duchy. This might change depending on the evolution of the situation. Bettel stressed that individuals who fear they may have contracted the virus should under no circumstances go to an emergency room or a general practitioner as this could jeopardise the safety of medical staff and other patients. He reiterated that concerned individuals should contact the health inspectorate and/or call the coronavirus hotline.

The borders are unlikely to be closed as Luxembourg heavily relies on cross-border workers to keep the economy functioning. Again, new measures may be taken if the situation demands it. Luxembourg is also coordinating efforts with its neighbouring countries in this context.

Testing in Luxembourg

According to Paulette Lenert, Luxembourg tested between 20 and 25 people per day at the beginning. This daily average has since been tripled in light of the recent developments. The ministry will reportedly communicate exact statistics as soon as possible.