The contact tracing task force is once again reaching its limits as the number of new infections soars.

This was confirmed by Minister of Health Paulette Lenert in her reply to a parliamentary question by MP Claude Wiseler from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV).

However, the team's capacities are already being increased, Lenert stated. The authorities are calling those mentioned on backup lists. However, fewer people are available because contrary to previous lockdown periods, they are working again.

This means that numerous civil servants are being transferred to the contact tracing task force, in addition to workers provided by the Grand Duchy's army. Capacities have already been increased by 30%, Lenert explained. The Minister also asks people to show understanding for the hotline, which is currently being inundated with calls.

The CSV has submitted a motion requesting booster shots for everyone. Lenert stated that the government is aware that there is a significant demand for additional doses of the vaccines.

However, before taking any further political decisions, the government wants to adhere to the recommendation of medical experts for the time being. The current recommendation is to offer booster shots to those over 65 years of age as well as vulnerable individuals.

The ministers will discuss further steps related to booster shots later this week.

Authorities are aware of fake vaccination certificates

Lenert stated that the government is aware that forged Covid-19 certificates are circulating.

In one case, for instance, a QR code displayed a valid CovidCheck certificate bearing the name of a former German dictator, the Minister explained. This particular code was shared in the Telegram group chat of the anti-vaxx group 'net-gepickt.lu' ("not-pricked.lu"). The case was forwarded to the public prosecutor's office.

In general, every known case of fake certificates is systematically forwarded to the public prosecutor's office, according to the Minister.

Upon enquiry by the head of the CSV's parliamentary group, Martine Hansen, why Luxembourg's CovidCheck app does not always recognise fake certificates, Lenert did not provide a detailed response, merely stating that the forgeries are often made in a "highly professional" way.