Although the BA2 variant is fairly infectious compared to previous strains, it has not been triggering serious illnesses or impacting the number of hospitalisations in the Grand Duchy.
On Friday morning, the Minister of Health, Paulette Lenert, and the Minister of Family and Integration, Corinne Cahen, addressed the parliamentary commission for health and family on the topic of Covid-19.
The minister stated that Luxembourg is rapidly approaching the peak of new infections, after several weeks of high cases, but that the number of new infections was not reflected in hospitals. In addition, recent deaths linked to coronavirus have primarily occurred in patients with existing conditions.
The BA2 variant of the virus is more infectious than others, but in general appears to cause a more mild form of the illness. LSAP MP and health commission president Mars Di Bartolomeo added that there was no excess mortality in comparison to other years. He explained that the coronavirus patients who recently succumbed to the virus consist of very elderly people, partially unvaccinated, and younger patients with existing illnesses who are also unvaccinated.
Among the points of discussion on Friday was the situation in retirement and care homes, with concern expressed over the impact of virus measures on patients' mental health.
CSV MP Claude Wiseler also queried Luxembourg's plans following comments made by the French health minister on the longevity of the booster jab. He said the issue of a fourth vaccination had not been fully addressed and said European health ministers should push the EMA to provide an EU-wide response next week.
Déi Lénk's Nathalie Oberweis also questioned whether a vaccine mandate was still required, given the situation had largely improved at present.
The commission will meet again following the Easter holidays to discuss updates to Luxembourg's Covid situation.
