Evening roundupTuesday's key virus developments from Luxembourg and abroad

In Luxembourg

• The latest figures from the Ministry of Health show that 100 new cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the last 24 hours. This brings the total number of cases to 5,056, while the number of deaths remains at 111. 292,711 tests have been carried out in Luxembourg since the start of the outbreak, a rise of 11,280 since yesterday.

• The increase in new infections over recent weeks has been damaging to the Grand Duchy’s image, say representatives of the hospitality sector. As a result, hotels are suffering.

• Jean-Claude Juncker took stock of Luxembourg’s response to the coronavirus crisis in conversation with former Bundestag president Norbert Lammert. He said that there was no other option than to close Luxembourg’s hospitals and care homes to visitors.

• Paul Junck, president of the Luxembourg Hospital Federation, spoke to RTL Radio on Tuesday morning. He explained that the recent increase in new infections has caused concern among Luxembourg’s hospitals, but they are prepared for a potential second wave.

In international news

• Germany has declared Luxembourg a high-risk country as the Grand Duchy recorded more than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days.

• French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that face masks could soon be required in public indoor spaces to curtail the coronavirus outbreak, acknowledging that infections were again on the rise.

• Facemasks will also become compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England from next week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday, marking a U-turn on previous policy. The new legislation will come into force in England on July 24, Hancock told parliament after weeks of wrangling from ministers about their effectiveness.

• Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Tuesday he was “not hopeful” of a deal on an EU coronavirus fund this week, despite opening the door to compromise on a key hurdle.