In regard to the coronavirus, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the main issue was to find a balance, something which was not easily achieved. On the one hand, the government has to prevent as much suffering as possible and relieve healthcare professionals, and on the other hand it has to be careful not to excessively restrict individual liberties.
However, the virus should not be the sole focus, Bausch explained, it is important to consider the overall picture. According to the Deputy PM, it cannot be ignored that every citizen’s individual liberties are considerably restricted.
Bausch called on the opposition to leave politics out of this crisis, even if it is the opposition’s role to check the government’s actions. The health of the population is at stake, he stressed.
The Minister for Mobility also pointed out that compromises had to be found in public transport. At rush hour, the trains are crowded with cross-border commuters due to insufficient capacity. Bausch stated that he was open to proposals for solutions in this context. However, even abroad, few good solutions have been found for public transport.
The government has interrupted air traffic between Luxembourg and the United Kingdom until 4 January due to a recently discovered mutation of the coronavirus. According to the Minister, it is obvious that the situation required a rapid reaction. The government could not wait a week for the European Union to perhaps take a decision.
In general, Bausch expressed his frustration and disappointment at the clear lack of a common European position. The European Union has failed to establish uniform rules during the pandemic, the Minister claimed.
Luxembourg residents are now stranded in the UK. Theoretically, they could be repatriated. However, this option needs to be considered carefully, Bausch explained. Some people might seek to abuse the opportunity to return to Europe via Luxembourg.
The Ministry of Health also needs to lay down conditions for potential returns, for example by imposing a quarantine. Bausch expects an answer to this issue by Wednesday.
The Deputy PM reiterated that common solutions are always preferable to closed borders. Soon, in addition to PCR tests, rapid tests will be offered at Luxembourg Airport to travellers returning from abroad. The government hopes that this will ensure that even more people get tested.
Currently, about 15% of passengers arriving at Luxembourg Airport take up the offer of a free test. Bausch used the opportunity to call on all travellers to get tested when they return from abroad.
