New Covid-19 law passed with votes of the majority parties

The opposition did not hold back on their criticism, describing the measures as incoherent and inefficient.

The draft bill extends the current restrictions until 15 January. It provides in particular for the continued closure of cafés, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, fitness centres, and swimming pools. The curfew between 11 pm and 6 am is also maintained, as is the rule that no more than two people from one household may visit another household.

It also introduces a new measure which prohibits the consumption of food or drinks on or around the terraces of cafés and restaurants, as well as in shopping centres, hotels, railway stations, or within airport grounds.

In addition, supermarkets that have a shopping gallery must have a health protocol in place no later than three days after the law is passed. The protocol must be validated by the National Health Directorate.

Mars Di Bartolomeo, the rapporteur of the adapted Covid-19 law, explains that this compulsory protocol will have to detail  the number of customers that can be accommodated in a shopping centre, as well as the relevant health measures in force.

Signs at the entrances to the establishment will be mandatory. A flow management concept, which should help to avoid the formation of queues or gatherings, will also have to be presented. According to the MP from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), the draft bill also includes fines for non-compliance with the protocol.

Strong criticism from the opposition

The Christian Social People's Party (CSV) roundly criticised these measures, which it described as "incoherent and incomprehensible" to the general public.

In fact, Luxembourg is said to be at the top of the European, or even world rankings for the number of new infections and deaths linked to Covid-19, according to MP Claude Wiseler. Last week there were more occupied beds in intensive care than on 17 October, 28 October, or 25 November. These dates represent the previous Covid-19 laws in Luxembourg.

The CSV MP expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that he was "furious" that the government did not take advantage of the calmer months to set up an efficient strategy. He accused the government of knowing that a second wave was coming and still not anticipating it. The CSV had asked the government before the holidays to introduce a multi-stage plan, but this had not been done.

Wiseler also pointed out that his party had asked the government in April to prepare a hospital specifically for Covid-19 patients, or alternatively one without a Covid-19 ward to allow for the treatment of other patients. He further lamented that the CSV's calls for the launch of a track and trace app had gone without answer.

Wiseler concluded by saying that in the eyes of the CSV the current measures were too little, too late, were incoherent, and contained serious technical problems. He warned the government that their current actions were losing them credibility and authority among the population.

MP Marc Baum from the Leftist Party (Déi Lénk) agreed, adding that the current measures were "without prospects" and the decision to pass them would therefore be a "vote without prospects".

Despite also voting against the extension of the current measures, MP Sven Clement from the Pirate Party urged the public to nevertheless respect the measures. An act which was praised by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.