Luxembourg health experts note growing concerns over the spreading of coronavirus mutations throughout the country. Although unwilling to indicate specific numbers, Dr Jean-Claude Schmit conveyed that the British variant is currently the most frequent one in the Grand Duchy. The director of the Santé (Directorate of Health) further noted that the South African variant has also caused a series of clusters already.
Prof Claude Müller from the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) underlined that mutations and behavioural changes were to be expected from any virus and that Luxembourg was lucky to have been spared for such a long time. He also noted that some coronavirus mutations may affect younger people in a more significant way, as a recent study from Israel has shown.
The number of government measures already in place will certainly make it more difficult for the variants to spread, both scientists agreed. Nevertheless, a third wave is what concerns health officials most at the moment, which is why they welcome the extension of restrictions.
Prof Müller expressed his optimism by emphasising that the current situation significantly differs from the one in October. While towards the end of last year, high infection numbers among younger people resulted in more infections among senior citizens, most of these vulnerable people have been vaccinated by now. As people living in retirement homes are now better protected, health officials estimate that even with climbing infection rates, hospitalisations will stay more moderate than before.
The virologist also stated his belief that officials could have better adapted during the beginning of the vaccination campaign. For instance, in case of a positive infection in a retirement home, both staff members and inhabitants should have been vaccinated straight away. This could have helped prevented a certain number of premature deaths, Prof. Müller noted.
Dr Schmit was unconvinced by this position and underlined that the entire campaign was a logistical undertaking of unprecedented proportions. Nevertheless, he agreed that efforts can still be increased in the future.
Prof Müller finally addressed the period in between vaccination doses and indicated his belief that the recommended duration can probably be extended. Health officials need to show more flexibility to make the entire process as efficient as possible.
