New Covid law passedRestrictions will last until 21 February

Although this week’s statistics confirm last week’s trend that the situation has stabilised in Luxembourg, it remains precarious. Particularly the variant first discovered in the United Kingdom worries the health authorities and the education ministry. The South African strain has also been detected in Luxembourg.

In order to safeguard the efforts undertaken by the population and health care workers and to avoid another spike in cases as seen in neighbouring countries, MPs voted on Friday to extend restrictions until 21 February.

The now 9^th version of the so-called Covid law was approved by 31 votes - exclusively from the government parties. The opposition voted unanimously against the legislation.

The following restrictions will last for at least 3 weeks:

• All passengers arriving at Luxembourg Airport will need to provide a negative test that is not older than 72 hours.

• The 11pm-6am curfew remains in place for all non-essential journeys. Health care workers travelling back from or to work, or travelling to seek medical attention or traveling for emergencies are permitted.

• The “+2 invites” rule remains in place. One is allowed to host up to 2 people from the same household.

• Gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed, provided all attendees wear face coverings and keep a distance of at least 2 metres from one another. Funerals and public transport are exempt from this rule. Gatherings of more than 100 people are banned.

• Public consumption of alcohol is still not permitted.

• Restaurants and bars remain closed until 21 February.

• Non-essential retail is allowed to remain open, as long as shops abide by the rule of 1 customer per 10 square metres surface area.

• Physical exercise involving 2 people is permitted without any other requirements. Physical exercise involving up to 10 people is permitted as long as a distance of 2 metres is kept between participants.

• Sport venues, including gyms and swimming pools, are allowed to remain open under strict conditions.

• Cinemas and theatres also remain open under strict conditions.

The new law has changed the following regarding doctor’s qualifications and entrepreneurs:

Prospective doctors who are still completing their training are allowed to provide treatments on a temporary basis in order to beef up the health care service.

Business owners and freelancers in financial turmoil will be able to qualify for a suspension of social security contribution payments between 1January and 30 June 2021.

The operating costs of some businesses for February and March will be paid by the state.