Our colleagues from RTL recently paid a visit to the National Health Laboratory (LNS) in Dudelange to discuss the ongoing challenge of the pandemic.

"The pandemic has been a stress test for the LNS, but one that has also brought about growth", explained director Prof Dr Friederich Mühlschlegel in conversation with RTL.

Prof Dr Mühlschlegel noted that the pandemic led to many big changes at the Laboratory. For one, employees no longer worked exclusively on the premisses of the institution, but were also sent out to the drive-in test centres, schools, as well as senior and care homes to conduct PCR tests.

The LNS team has grown over the course of the pandemic and the number of people working exclusively with Covid-19 even doubled in size. Thanks to new technologies, the team was able to become an international front runner in terms of analysing coronavirus variants in real time.

According to Prof Dr Mühlschlegel, the variant BA5 is making its rounds in Luxembourg at the moment. However, thanks to the high vaccination rate, there is little cause for concern. The LNS director therefore welcomes the invitation for a fourth booster shot for vulnerable and senior citizens.

Asked about a potential infection wave in autumn, Prof Dr Mühlschlegel responded that there is little indication for a severe spike, but still believes that caution is necessary.