© RTL
Almost two weeks after the first case was detected in the Grand Duchy at the end of February 2020, everything happened very quickly.
January 2020: As China grapples with the first deaths from Covid-19, entire cities are locked down, and a hospital is rapidly constructed in record time. Meanwhile, Luxembourg remains largely unconcerned by the emerging crisis.
31 January 2020: Just a week later, the World Health Organization (WHO) declares a global health emergency.
11 March 2020: The situation escalates as the WHO officially declares the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. In Luxembourg, the government begins to implement the first political measures, including the cancellation of major events for a month.
13 March 2020: The first death in Luxembourg is confirmed, signalling the severity of the crisis. On this day, the government announces measures to limit contact in nursing homes. Schools close their doors, affecting 150,000 students who will be taught remotely by 20,000 educators. As social life grinds to a halt, panic buying sweeps the country, and the police are called to manage supermarket crowds.
15 March 2020: Just two days later, Luxembourg enters a full lockdown following an extraordinary government meeting.
16 March 2020: In response to rising fears, Germany reinstates border controls. On the same day, the Grand Duke addresses the nation.
With streets deserted and uncertainty looming, Luxembourg faced an unprecedented public health crisis, forcing many to adapt to new realities and find creative solutions during the lockdown.
