Specifically, retail venues have been thoroughly discussed in cabinet regarding open-for-sale Sundays and Black Friday as well as “grandes surfaces” sites. The minister says it is clear to everyone what sectors will need to be closed should new measures be introduced.
Cabinet met on Friday morning and, according to RTL sources, it has considered to extend the Christmas break or to re-introduce home schooling after the holidays. Another option the government is looking at is to close down different branches of the economy in order to curb infections.
However, no further restrictions are expected to be announced on Friday. This will likely happen at the start of next week.
The minister of Health, Paulette Lenert, said on Thursday on RTL “Kloertext” that the government is still looking at the development of new infections this week before new measures are taken. Fayot has echoed this in his interview. He says that there will not be a definitive “moment of truth” but rather things hang in the balance at the moment. He emphasises that the government is carefully weighing up the impact of new measures on the economy and on civil liberties, whilst trying the utmost to relieve pressure on the national health service.
No stone will be left unturned to make sure that the country gets on top of the current wave at the start of the new year, according to the minister. He insists that most businesses adapted well to new regulations, including restaurants and cafes. Instead, he noted that the general public have not sufficiently respected current guidelines. According to Fayot, it is safer to allow factories to remain open than permitting people to frequent restaurants.
Moreover, the minister of the economy has given assurances to companies that the state will continue to provide financial support. He is particularly referring to the package of state aid that was approved by parliament on Thursday. In addition, part-time working has hugely benefited firms.
When asked to comment on whether all private sector losses could be taken over by the state, Fayot has highlighted the efforts of the Luxembourgish government, which has already provided the most “ambitious” help package on the international scene. Business owners can be reassured that the state will not stop helping them at this point. Fayot says that he is still “very optimistic” regarding the future of the Luxembourgish economy. He is specifically referencing a Statec analysis and the high number of business that have applied for state innovation subsidies.
Nevertheless, Fayot concedes that it is extremely difficult to produce reliable economic forecasts for the time being.
Video in Luxembourgish
