During the press briefing, Ministers Bettel and Lenert talked about potential changes to the laws, as well as the areas where current measures will continue to apply. Since not a lot is set to change, opposition parties have expressed mixed support for the proposal that is designed to last until 18 October.
Given that not much is set to change, the Christian Social People's Party remains in agreement with the proposed measures for the most part. However, they also underline that they will await the final text before expressing their full agreement.
When it comes to PCR tests, CSV argues that people with Covid-19 symptoms should still have the possibility of doing one free of charge.
Martine Hansen also expressed concerns over the rapidly approaching school return: "Given that a fourth infection wave seems to be on the rise, it would have been better to introduce the CovidCheck in high schools. We now know exactly that schools influenced the way in which the second wave unfolded. Furthermore, we need the system to check everybody who wants to enter a hospital."
In general, the Alternative Democratic Reform Party agrees with most changes. However, MP Jeff Engelen remains highly critical of the fact that rapid tests are still checked by private people: "When I go to a restaurant, a private entrepreneur checks my credentials. We always found this concerning and will continue to do so."
Engelen further conveyed that his party is therefore likely to vote against the proposed amendments. They believe the government is still taking away too much personal freedom.
MP Nathalie Oberweis believes the decision to no longer offer free PCR tests is not ideal: "It is discriminating in way to make people who do not want to be vaccinated pay for tests. Though the Left is in favour of the vaccine, we think it is unfortunate to press people in such a way. The pandemic thus risks splitting our society even more."
Oberweis concluded that health officials should continue raising awareness of the vaccination benefits to convince more people to get the jab.
MP Sven Clement agrees with the decision to charge people who can but do not want to get vaccinated for PCR tests. After all, it is not the majority's responsibility of accommodating a select few, he reasoned.
Nevertheless, Clement expressed criticism in different areas: "What we still miss is clear communication from the government. We want to know if there are different phases planned and based on what criteria they are activated. We are still living in a vague system and would prefer to see proactive measures."
The Pirate Party also believes it questionable that private entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector have to monitor uncertified rapid tests. In general, the party is not in favour of this mechanism.
