The opposition party deputies were generally happy to get information regarding the government’s vaccine strategy, but they still voiced concerns over unanswered questions. The CSV‘s general feeling is one of satisfaction when asked about the government’s decision to take over the costs, as explained by the party’s leader in the Chamber of Deputies Martine Hansen.
The Pirates, too, were happy to be informed prior to the general public. Sven Clement expressed that the party agrees with the key points made by the government on its vaccination strategy.
For the Pirates, it has always been clear that frontline workers, as well as staff in hospitals, care homes, and other care sectors should be a priority in terms of vaccination. Nonetheless, Clement did stress the triviality of determining vulnerability. At this point, there are seventeen-year olds in intensive care, so it is clear that one cannot proceed by using age as the sole determining factor.
The Déi Lénk party, too, expressed a general sentiment of satisfaction despite the strategy not being complete yet. Deputy Marc Baum highlights that the vaccine will be free and voluntary to take, and that staff in the health sector should be prioritised.
Another factor that he particularly agrees with is that the government takes into account the 200,000 cross-border workers. Especially since about half of health workers in the Grand Duchy are not Luxembourgers, it is important that everyone is invited to take the vaccine. Marc Baum thus believes that the government is going into the right direction.
It is yet to be determined when those first vaccines will arrive in Luxembourg. ADR deputy Fernand Kartheiser stressed the fact that the EU approval process should not be rushed in any case. The concerned authorities should therefore not be put under pressure, he stated.
It is important that a real health risk should be avoided as much as possible, Kartheiser argued. Covid infections and its implications should not be replaced by medicine that could potentially pose a risk to people. It is therefore vital that the institutions currently testing the vaccine should not suffer under any time pressure.
The ADR is also happy that the vaccine will be taken on a voluntary basis, but the deputies wonder what the consequences will be for those who will not take the vaccine. They especially worry about those working in the health and tourism sectors. Certain travel companies are contemplating to make the vaccine a requirement when travelling.
The health commission of the Chamber of Deputies will gather next Tuesday morning to discuss the proposed vaccine strategy. A plenary session will follow in the afternoon as well. However, the position of the ethics council is yet to be heard.
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