Dr Schmit conveyed that there would be new coronavirus test methods in the future: one that would require small saliva samples from patients' mouths, and another flash test able to provide a result within 15 minutes. However, he was unable to pinpoint a specific timeframe as to when these tests would come into use, noting that the flash test still lacked reliability.
Anti-body tests are currently being conducted to see how far the population's collective immunity has advanced, and to determine how many people have already been in contact with the virus. The Directorate of Health estimates that the rate should still be significantly low. Before the summer, the tally was set around 2 to 3%. Nevertheless, clarity would still be required, Dr Schmit explained.
The director noted that he considered the Grand Duchy's situation stable. Many new infections on the one hand, but relatively few hospitalisations on the other. The team of about 100 contact tracers have been managing the situation, he added.
When asked about the recent problems at the laboratories, Dr Schmit explained that these had nothing to do with the Santé. He acknowledged that human errors would always be possible, but explained that all issues in this case had been resolved rather quickly.
Dr Schmit also talked about the partial quarantine measure, which has been put into place in the education system. He conveyed that the Directorate of Health received a number of requests from other sectors, which had all been denied since the procedure would not have a legal basis.
The final point of discussion was the national testing strategy. Dr Schmit acknowledged that half of the drive-in stations had been closed to save costs and allow for the transition into the second phase of the large-scale strategy. He also explained that no test had to be performed by people who spent the full 10 days in isolation: "If you have no more symptoms after that period, you are free to leave the house."
When asked about the voices of criticism, Dr Schmit stated that the Directorate would continue to exercise caution in such serious matters, an approach that would have allowed for the current situation to be stable: "As soon as we have new scientific discoveries, we will adapt our methods again."
