Stay informed about Covid

After an unprecedented global health crisis linked to the Covid-19 epidemic, Luxembourg began a gradual easing of lockdown measures in May 2020.

To date, the Covid virus is still present in the country, as it is in the rest of the world. In order to avoid a new wave, protective measures are still in place and recommended. It is everyone's responsibility to comply with these protective measures.

Protective measures against the Covid-19 virus

Mandatory vaccination

Covid vaccination is mandatory in Luxembourg for adults and children over 12 years of age.

In fall 2022, people over the age of 60 will be vaccinated with a fourth dose, which can be combined with the flu vaccine.

The health pass is no longer required in public places. However, it should still be kept.

Information on vaccination in Luxembourg

COVID-related teleconsultations

As of July 1, 2024, the National Health Fund will no longer reimburse medical teleconsultations related to Covid-19.

However, teleconsultations in general should benefit from a new pricing structure and a new reimbursement policy from fall 2024.

As a reminder, the teleconsultation system was set up at the height of the pandemic to reduce the risk of infection during medical consultations.

Respecting protective measures against COVID-19 and infectious diseases

The government strongly recommends continuing to observe a number of protective measures to prevent the spread of viral infections. These precautions are useful for protecting against all infections, particularly respiratory infections.

• Regular hand washing with soap
• Use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving stores, public places, doctors' offices, etc.
• Use single-use paper tissues when coughing or blowing your nose. These tissues should be disposed of in a trash can with a lid
• Avoid close contact (maintain a minimum social distance of 2 meters)
• Avoid shaking hands or kissing
• Avoid touching your face with your hands
• Wearing a mask is recommended when going out. Some doctors' offices and hospitals continue to require masks to be worn. It is also recommended to wear a mask in the presence of vulnerable people (the elderly, sick people, etc.).

The Luxembourg government has set up a website: coronavirus.gouvernement.lu/. There you will find all the information you need, as well as answers to all your questions.

Looking at the figures for Luxembourg to date, one might think that the wave has passed.

The number of people infected with coronavirus is declining daily. However, it is crucial that we do not relax our efforts on a daily basis.

And thank you again to everyone who has actively contributed to caring for our patients and saving lives!

#stayhome #staysafe #staysmart #bleiftdoheem

Gradual lifting of lockdown measures following Covid

A gradual lifting of lockdown measures will be implemented starting on April 20. This lifting of lockdown measures will take place in several stages. The next stages will be considered based on how the situation evolves in real time.

Cinemas to reopen to the public from June 17

Cinemas, museums, and cultural centers are authorized to welcome the public again starting May 29. However, masks must be worn and reservations must be made in advance. In concrete terms, Luxembourg cinemas have agreed to reopen jointly on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Between now and then, they will be able to organize the necessary measures to ensure the safety of their customers.

Currently operating on an alternating basis, schools will be able to welcome all children back for the last two weeks of classes. The school day will be shortened to 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Opening of intra-European borders from June 15

European countries are gradually opening their borders without restrictions. This has been the case in France, Germany, Belgium, and Greece since June 15. Other countries are gradually opening their borders, but restrictions are still in place. Spain is expected to open its borders on June 21.

Reopening of cafés and restaurants from May 29

Restaurants and cafés are allowed to reopen to the public. From May 27 for those with outdoor seating, and from May 29 for others. They will have to comply with very strict health measures. They will have to space tables 1.5 meters apart or install plexiglass barriers. Masks must still be worn when moving around inside and when taking orders. Customers will be allowed a maximum of four people per table, unless they are from the same family.

Religious and civil ceremonies will once again be able to welcome worshippers. They will have to comply with health and safety measures.

Gyms will also be able to welcome the public again. Swimming pools, wellness areas, and children's play areas will remain closed until further notice.

Findel Airport will reopen at the end of May. Luxair flights will resume on May 29. This reopening will be carried out with all the usual safety measures in place: disinfection of luggage trolleys, reduced bus transport to planes, and protective screens between passengers and staff.

Covid-19 testing for the entire population

As part of the easing of lockdown restrictions, the entire population will be tested starting June 1. The goal is to assess immunity to Covid-19. Students and teachers will be the first to benefit from this measure.

Seventeen testing centers will be operational from June 1. They will be able to test up to 20,000 people per day. The population will receive testing proposals on a voluntary basis. They will receive their test results within 48 hours of the oral swab.

Lockdown easing continues on May 25, with new measures

On May 25, lockdown restrictions are taking a new turn with the reopening of primary schools, nurseries, and medical centers.

Our children have returned to school in two alternating groups, with strict protective measures in place: they must wear a "buff" type scarf distributed by the government, groups are separated at bus stops, they travel on specific buses, there are markings on the floor to prevent people from crossing paths in school buildings, school is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., tables are separated, etc.

Daycare centers are once again welcoming children, but with a limited number.

Medical centers are once again accessible to patients during normal opening hours. Patients must come alone unless they require specific assistance. They must wear a mask and adhere to the appointment time set in advance via santé.lu/mm or by calling 20 333 111.

Finally, bus services are also increasing their frequency to gradually return to normal.

Mandatory face coverings and social distancing

This gradual lifting of lockdown measures is accompanied by protective measures to limit the risk of infection. Since April 20 , everyone must wear face coverings whenever social distancing measures cannot be ensured.
Masks are being distributed by local authorities and the state, with an initial allocation of five disposable surgical masks per person. By May 11, an additional 50 masks are to be distributed by the army to the population over the age of 16 and to cross-border workers.

In all cases, in addition to mouth protection, social distancing measures of 2 meters must be observed. This applies wherever possible, including in shops and on public transport .

Borders remain closed

To date, the borders with Belgium and France remain closed until further notice due to these countries'decisions . Germany is gradually reopening its borders and lifting systematic controls. Only compelling reasons such as professional activity, medical emergencies, or assistance to vulnerable persons authorize passage to neighboring countries.

Lockdown easing measures as of May 11, 2020

As of May 11, 2020, with high schools reopening, businesses are allowed to reopen. This includes hair salons and beauty salons.

In addition, 32 listed sports are once again permitted, including outdoor sports such as tennis and golf. Indoor sports are still prohibited, as is the use of changing rooms and shower rooms.

People can once again have visitors in their homes. However, these visits are limited to a maximum of 6 people from outside the household and 12 people in total in the household. Everyone must comply with social distancing and personal protection measures.

Some museums are gradually reopening their doors.

Many companies are still encouraging their employees to work from home. However, some are asking their employees to return to the office, provided they comply with protective measures.

Lifting of lockdown restrictions on May 4, 2020

Schools are set to reopen gradually from May 4, 11, and 25, depending on the child's grade.

Schools will reopen in several stages. Initially,higher education students and those in their final year of secondary education (last year of high school) will return on May 4. Exams will therefore take place as normal from May 25 for the program up to and including March 13. In the second phase, othersecondary school studentswill resume classes on Monday, May 11. Classes will be held for students in two groups, alternating every other week.

Elementary school students, daycarecenters , and after-school programs will resume classes on Monday, May 25.

Extracurricular activities will not resume until the summer, with the exception of conservatory classes, which will resume on May 11 on an individual basis.

Medical and dental practices will resume their activities on May 4, with certain precautions in place and by appointment only. Patients must make an appointment by phone in advance. Only the person who is ill should be present, except in special cases involving children or dependent persons. Masks must be worn and hands must be disinfected.

Some small businesses should also be able to reopen their doors starting May 4.

Gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions starting April 20

Starting April 20, construction sites are set to resume operations, and recycling centers and DIY stores will reopen. This first stage will last three weeks and will be carried out in compliance with protective measures and social distancing guidelines.

Lockdown and protection of the population

Since March 16, 2020, only essential activities have been allowed to continue. The population is urged to stay at home and limit social contact as much as possible.

Outings are only permitted for one person at a time for:

• food shopping or essential items, as well as agricultural, wine-growing, horticultural, and forestry products,
• visiting healthcare facilities (doctor, pharmacist, etc.)
• travel to the workplace in order to carry out professional activities, in cases where teleworking is not possible
• providing assistance to elderly, minor, dependent, or vulnerable persons
• in case of emergency, to banking, insurance, social security, and postal services
• in cases of force majeure.

Leisure activities must be limited. They are tolerated on an individual basis or limited to people living under the same roof. Everyone must maintain a social distance of 2 meters.

Despite a gradual resumption of activity, all events and gatherings are prohibited until July 31 inclusive. The National Day on June 23 will therefore not be celebrated this year and the Schueberfouer will not take place in 2020 either.

Schools closed until May 4, 2020

All schools will close from March 16 until further notice on May 4, 2020. Children will not return to school on April 20 after the Easter school holidays. They will continue their schooling via the internet.
In concrete terms, 150,000 students and 20,000 teachers are now following classes online, in contact with their teachers by email or via digital platforms.

A dedicated website, Heydoo.lu, has been created especially for this purpose. Information is provided in the country's five main languages (Luxembourgish, French, German, English, and Portuguese). A hotline (tel. 8002 9090) is available to answer questions from students, parents, and teachers.

Closure of cafés, restaurants, and other non-essential public places

All cafés, restaurants, and other places open to the public that are not essential businesses must close. Some continue to offer home delivery.

In response to the shutdown of all commercial activity, numerous initiatives have been launched to support retailers.

The reopening of hotels, cafés, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses is under consideration starting May 11.

Gyms, sports facilities, and other sports venues such as golf courses will remain closed to the public until further notice. Their reopening will depend on how the epidemic evolves following the initial measures to ease restrictions.

Supermarkets and other food stores

Supermarkets, which have remained open throughout the crisis, are adapting by imposing social distancing on their customers. Customerflow is regulated at the entrance to the store and a distance of 2 meters is required when waiting at the checkout. Cashiers are now protected with the appropriate equipment: gloves, masks, and protective screens to protect them from customers.

Many supermarkets disinfect shopping carts between each customer. They provide hand sanitizer and gloves for their customers.

From April 20, all customers must wear a face mask and observe the 2-meter distancing measures.

Medical services on standby for the Covid-19 crisis

The Luxembourg government has clearly made public health its number one priority. All necessary medical services have been deployed to combat the epidemic in Luxembourg.

Medical practices will resume their activities from May 4, subject to certain rules.

Coronavirus testing in advanced care centers

Luxembourg has based its strategy for combating the virus on mass screening of people suspected of being infected with Covid-19. The testing rate is six times higher than in France or Belgium. These tests are carried out on residents, but also on cross-border workers.

Four advanced care centers have been set up to screen people with symptoms of infection for coronavirus. Accessible without a prescription, these ACCs have eight lines of consulting physicians and are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Consultations are free of charge.

• Luxembourg-Kirchberg – Luxexpo 10, circuit de la Foire L-1347 Luxembourg-Kirchberg
• Esch/Belval – Rockhal 5, avenue du Rock'n Roll L-4083 Esch-sur-Alzette
• Ettelbruck – Däichhal 3, rue du Deich L-9012 Ettelbruck
• Grevenmacher – Cultural Center, Place du Marché aux Bestiaux L-6731 Grevenmacher (open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

Medical consultations

The government is setting up an e-consultation medical platform in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The doctena.lu website has also adapted by now offering video consultations.

Hospital facilities

In Luxembourg, hospital services depend on cross-border workers to maintain their activity.

The government has therefore requisitioned a large number of hotel rooms. Cross-border workers employed in hospitals can benefit from these to improve their working conditions and ensure the safety of their families. Healthcare services are being maintained and are proving their effectiveness.

Ten patients from eastern France, which has been overwhelmed by the pandemic, are being treated in Luxembourg hospitals.

Luxembourg has a good hospital infrastructure. They are taking in Covid-19 patients who require hospitalization.

The CHL is building a field hospital, a temporary hospital facility. This will provide an additional 200 beds and 100 ventilators. The CHEM has also strengthened its facilities by installing additional beds in its cafeteria. This provides an additional 128 beds for Covid-19 patients.

The CHL closed its Covid-19 intensive care unit on May 18, 2020.

Research and fight against coronavirus

The Ministry of Economy recently released an additional €30 million. The aim is to support research projects against the coronavirus and initiatives to produce products such as masks, hydroalcoholic gels, gowns, etc. Everything is being done to combat the virus.

Covid-19 economic measures to help businesses

The Luxembourg government has released funds to help businesses affected by the coronavirus crisis.

• Help for the self-employed: on the initiative of the Minister for Small Businesses, self-employed workers experiencing financial difficulties related to the Covid-19 crisis can apply for emergency compensation of €2,500, provided that their professional income is less than two and a half times the minimum social wage.
• Aid for micro-enterprises: micro-enterprises (maximum 9 employees) whose activity has been interrupted as part of the fight against coronavirus (Grand Ducal Regulation of March 18, 2020) can apply for a subsidy of €5,000, provided that their annual turnover exceeds €15,000.
• Aid for the media: the media were able to receive aid of €5,000 per journalist who helped to keep the public informed at the height of the pandemic crisis.
• Other professions, such as dentists, who were forced to close their practices, were also eligible for aid.