Now the situation risks repeating itself. The Robert Koch Institute has classed Luxembourg as a risk region once again - a decision which has met with criticism from politicians in the border regions.
Dr Joachim Streit, district administrator for Eifelkreis Bitburg Prüm, said he had contacted MPs representing the region in Berlin, but without success.
Dr Streit, alongside Dr. Detlef Müller-Greis of the Konz Verbandsgemeindeverwaltung, is one of the politicians in opposition to Berlin’s decision. He said the Robert Koch Institute had made decisions based on empty numbers, without considering local circumstances, thus causing frustration and uncertainty for commuters in particular.
30,000 people travel across the Luxembourg border on a daily basis to work in the Grand Duchy, while around 1,000 Luxembourgers live on the German side of the border, said Dr Streit.
In an ironic twist, the ship upon which the Schengen accord was signed 35 years ago, the Marie-Astrid, has been confined to the docks along the Moselle in Grevenmacher, as it is not allowed to sail over the border to Trier and Bernkastel.
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Léon Gloden, president of the Entente touristique de la Moselle, said they had received 6,500 cancellations over the last week.
In normal times, they collaborate with Belgian and Dutch bus companies over the summer.
In an attempt to reduce the current losses, this year the Marie-Astrid will extend its season until December.
Lux travel warning and consequences - joint appeal from Trier’s local leaders
