The situation in Luxembourg's hospitals has calmed down slightly. 46% of hospitalisations are currently due to Covid-19.

A 34% decrease has been observed in intensive care. In light of these changes, hospitals were authorised on Tuesday to shift from phase four to phase three, which means that non-urgent operations may now be performed again. However, the sector remains cautious as the pressure is still high.

10 out of 14 beds in the Covid-19 intensive care unit on Kirchberg are still occupied. The care required by these patients is very labour intensive. As of Tuesday morning, the hospital confirmed that it is currently treating a total of 38 Covid-19 patients. However, these numbers could increase again at any time. Dr Philippe Turk, the crisis unit's hospital coordinator, is especially worried about the more infectious variant of the coronavirus, which was initially discovered in the UK. Combined with the winter weather, this new strain could potentially trigger a third wave in February.

On the other hand, it has also become evident that a large number of patients with other health problems could not be treated over the course of the second wave. Hospitals had to cancel between 20% and 50% of their regular activities over the past two months, depending on the situation at the time. According to Pr Dr Claude Braun, the medical director of the Robert Schuman Hospitals, chemotherapies, dialysis, and oncological surgeries had not been interrupted.

Outpatient procedures on the eyes, skin, or hands were also continued over the course of the second wave in the Robert Schuman Hospitals. Doctor's offices also remained open in order to minimise the risk of collateral health risks as much as possible.

Less urgent operations will thus soon be possible again. Hospitals have to individually assess what they can offer, according to Dr Turk. However, it is almost impossible to plan ahead for more than two to three weeks because the situation can change at any time.

The Covid-19 vaccination campaign is another challenge for the sector. As of next week, the internal vaccination of hospital workers is expected to start. In a voluntary survey conducted by the Robert Schuman Hospitals, 60% of participants stated that they are willing to be vaccinated. Many other staff members still hesitate.