Launched on 2 March and coordinated by the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps, the 8002-8080 hotline has relieved pressure on the general emergency number 112, and allowed precise responses to information and support requests concerning coronavirus.
The hotline has received more than 66,000 calls, in addition to approximately 2,900 calls to 112 linked to COVID-19 since the start of the crisis. Daily peaks ranged from 250 to 1,700 calls. Cédric Gantzer, communications manager at CGDIS, explained they generally experienced an increase in calls following official government announcements, while weekends tended to be quieter.
Ten members of staff answer calls from the hotline, including CGDIS volunteers and staff from the Ministries of Health, Economy or Education, as well as doctors and psychologists.
79% of the calls related to questions related to public health and the course of the disease, 14% concerned the economy, 4% in a psychological context and 3% concerned the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
From 16 May, the hotline will be restricted to weekdays only between 8am and 4pm, as information requirements have reduced sharply since the deconfinement process. The reopening of medical centres next week should also see the number of calls drop.
