The LNS is currently analysing up to 1,200 coronavirus samples per week. Over the past weeks, total coverage was around 50% per week. On a European level, this puts the Grand Duchy in the Nr 1 spot.
For the time being, the Delta variant remains dominant. The new Omicron variant has not yet been detected in Luxembourg, according to LNS virologist Dr Sibel Berger. The national authorities are putting a lot of effort into determining which variants of the coronavirus are in circulation. Speaking to our colleagues from RTL Télé, Dr Nguyen Trung, head of the microbiology department, stated that the more information is available, the better the authorities can anticipate certain situations.
The new Omicron variant has been classified as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Not much is known about the variant so far, but research and studies into Omicron are ongoing. What is evident, Dr Berger explains, is that the variant presents an unusually high number of mutations, particularly around the spike protein.
Dr Trung added that since so little is known about the new variant, booster shots and protective measures are all the more important.
The LNS has been making use of a new type of PCR test, which is expected to help find suspected Omicron cases more quickly, according to the medical experts at LNS. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop over the upcoming weeks.
The full report in Luxembourgish:
