Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Health Paulette Lenert announced further relaxing of measures on Friday.
If the Covid law is voted on next week, Luxembourg may follow decisions taken in neighbouring countries and further lift health restrictions. These rules could come into effect in two weeks' time.
The measures to be lifted include CovidCheck at work as well as masks in schools and in commercial sectors. Events will be permitted without limiting the number of guests.
Measures that remain are CovidCheck 3G in hospitals, retirement homes, and care homes. Masks will also be required in the above areas, as well as on public transport.
Self-isolation following a positive result should remain in place. Testing in schools will be reduced from three times to once per week.
Luxembourg has survived the Omicron wave, thanks to a high vaccination rate and low hospitalisations, Bettel said. 30 people are currently hospitalised with Covid, five of whom are in intensive care. The Covid-19 taskforce predicts a drop in infections over the coming months.
However, Bettel said the virus is still present - it is definitively not over - so we must still protect the most vulnerable members of society. He recommends practising caution particularly around these people and also recommends regular testing.
Minister of Health Paulette Lenert was also carefully optimistic. Two years ago we didn't know how to protect ourselves, she said. There were insufficient masks, we all had to familiarise ourselves with social distancing and other protective measures, but we have come a long way. She hopes that Covid can soon be treated like a flu.
The government does not rule out further restrictions, especially come autumn and winter, should the situation develop in the wrong direction.
Situation in Ukraine
Bettel also took a moment to discuss the developing war in Ukraine. The PM said his government does not want war and will do everything in their power to avoid a military conflict between NATO and Russia. International partners will continue to exert pressure on Russia to withdraw.
Meanwhile, around 200 people from Ukraine have arrived in, or are travelling to, Luxembourg. This includes Luxembourgers who lived there, as well as Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes and loved ones. Luxembourg will offer as much support as possible to these people, Bettel said.
People wishing to help with offering shelter or other assistance can contact the Red Cross initiative on 621 769 780 or via email ukraine@zesummeliewen.lu.
