The health expert also explained to RTL that he expects another Covid wave in autumn, which could either be more or less severe than Omicron: "There are a lot of unknowns."

The fact that Covid-19 infections in Luxembourg are on the rise again may raise concerns whether restrictions were lifted too soon. But Director of Health Jean-Claude Schmit still believes that lifting measures was the right choice, given the situation in hospitals and the severity of infections.

"That numbers go up has nothing to do with the fact that face masks are no longer obligatory," says Dr Schmit.

"Fewer people have the need to be hospitalised. There are two reasons for this: First, we have a different sub-variant, BA.2, which is relatively harmless but quickly spreads. Second, as a society we still have a relatively high level of immunity."

The health expert reiterated the words already spoken by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel: it's not forbidden to wear a mask if you feel uncomfortable. "If you're vulnerable and around people, you should definitely wear a mask, preferably even an FFP2 mask," says Dr Schmit.

Spring and summer are more relaxed, but the autumn could once again become uncomfortable, explains Schmit. "We expect another wave in autumn, but there are a lot of unknowns. The main issue is that we don't know which variant comes. It could be another sub-variant that is less dangerous, such as Omicron. But the wave could also be more aggressive, such as with the Delta variant."

Specifically in that situation there should be further Covid vaccines. "We think that at least a part of the population should be vaccinated again before autumn."
The reopening of Covid centres is unlikely to happen, says the Director of Health, who is also of the opinion that more young and vulnerable people could receive a combined vaccine against influenza and Covid in the future.

Lawmakers are still working on a potential vaccine mandate, Schmitt concluded.

Video in Luxembourgish: