The pandemic has upended the lives of many citizens, whether through restricted social contacts or abandoned travel plans. The arrival of a vaccine in the new year may have offered a glimpse of hope, but Bausch urged people to be patient.
It will still be months until a large part of the population has received the vaccine and for this to have an effect on the spread of the virus. Bausch said that the situation remains complicated, certainly for the remaining winter months before spring. He hopes that EU member states will intensify their collaboration, specifically regarding vaccinations.
Cooperation within the EU somewhat reached its limit as health services and border controls are still the core duties of individual states. Bausch therefore reminded Luxembourg’s residents to take all necessary precautions before travelling. This includes seeking out which countries and regions require a negative PCR test upon arrival.
Bausch said that a debate is ongoing, especially within the private sector, whether people who have received the vaccine should still be subject to the same restrictions as people who have not. According to the minister, should, for example, a cruise operator decide to only allow vaccinated people onboard, there is little the state can do to prevent that.
The Green minister further highlighted how important it is to receive the vaccination and to respect public health guidelines.
Bausch also confirmed that the Luxembourg government does not intend, for the time being, to introduce vaccination passports. A document certifying that a resident of Luxembourg has received the vaccine could be provided for travel purposes, but discussions on this topic are yet to be held in cabinet.
