Stay informed about the Coronavirus

Information on measures to combat the coronavirus in Luxembourg

After an unprecedented global health crisis linked to the coronavirus epidemic, Luxembourg has entered progressive decontainment as of May 2020. 

To date, the Covid virus is still present in the country, as in the rest of the world. To avoid a new wave, protective measures are still active and recommended. It is everyone's responsibility to respect these barrier measures.

Protective measures against the Covid19 virus

Mandatory vaccination

Vaccination against Covid is compulsory in Luxembourg for adults and children over the age of 12. 

In autumn 2022, people over 60 will be vaccinated with a 4th dose, which can be combined with the flu vaccine.

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

Information on vaccination in Luxembourg

Respect the Covid19 barrier gestures

The government strongly recommends that you continue to observe the following barrier measures. These precautionary measures are useful to guard against any respiratory infection.

  • Regular hand washing with soap
  • Use of hydroalcoholic gels on entering and leaving stores, public places, doctors' surgeries, etc.
  • Use single-use tissues for coughing or blowing the nose. These tissues should be disposed of in a lidded garbage can.
  • Avoid close contact (minimum social distance of 2 metres)
  • Avoid shaking hands or blowing kisses
  • Avoid touching your face with your hands
  • Masks recommended for outings. Some doctors' surgeries and hospitals still insist on wearing masks. It is also recommended to wear a mask in the presence of frail persons (the elderly, the sick, etc.).

A website has been set up by the Luxembourg government coronavirus.gouvernement.lu/. Here you'll find all the information you need, plus answers to all your questions.

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

The number of people infected with the coronavirus is declining daily. But it's crucial not to let up in our daily efforts.

And thanks again to all those who have actively contributed to treating our patients and saving lives!

#stayhome #staysafe #staysmart #bleiftdoheem

Progressive deconfinement following Covid

A gradual decontamination process will be implemented from April 20. This decontamination is taking place in several stages. Subsequent stages will be considered as the situation evolves in real time.

Public welcome in cinemas from June 17

Cinemas, museums and cultural centers are authorized to welcome the public again from May 29. Masks must be worn, however, and advance reservations are required. In concrete terms, Luxembourg cinemas have agreed to reopen jointly on Wednesday June 17, 2020. In the meantime, they will be able to organize their reception arrangements to ensure the safety of their customers.

Currently alternating, the schools will once again be able to welcome all children for the last 2 weeks of school. The school day will be shorter, from 8am to 1pm.

Intra-European borders open 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 being applied. Spain is due to open its borders on June 21.

Cafés and restaurants to reopen on May 29

Restaurants and cafés are authorized to reopen to the public. From May 27, if they have a terrace, and from May 29 for others. They will have to comply with very strict sanitary measures. Tables must be kept 1.5 m apart from each other, or protected by Plexiglas. Masks must still be worn when moving around the restaurant and taking orders. A maximum of 4 people will be allowed at each table, unless they are members of 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.

The fitness rooms will also be open to the public again. Swimming pools, wellness areas and children's playgrounds 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: disinfection of baggage carts, reduced bus transport to aircraft and protective glass between passengers and staff.

Covid19 test of the entire population

As part of the decontamination process, the entire population will be tested from June 1. The aim is to assess immunity to Covid-19. Students and teachers will be the first to benefit from this measure.

17 screening centers will be in operation from June 1. They will be able to test up to 20,000 people a day. People will be offered screening on a voluntary basis. They will receive the test results within 48 hours of oral swabbing.

Deconfinement continues to May 25, new measures

On May 25, deconfinement took a new turn with the resumption of elementary school, crèches and the reopening of medical centers. 

Our children have returned to school in 2 alternating groups, with strict protective measures: compulsory wearing of a government-issued "buff" scarf, separation of groups at bus stops, special bus transport, floor markings so as not to pass each other in school buildings, school from 8am to 1pm, separate tables, etc.

The crèches are back in operation, but with a limited number of children.

The services of the medical centers are once again accessible to patients during normal opening hours. Patients should come alone if they do not require special accompaniment. They must wear a mask and respect the appointment times set in advance via santé.lu/mm or by calling 20 333 111.

Finally, the bus routes are also stepping up their services, gradually returning to their normal rhythm.

Mandatory mouth protection and social distancing

This gradual decontamination is accompanied by protective measures to limit the risk of contamination. Since April 20, it has been compulsory for everyone to wear mouth protection as soon as social protection measures cannot be provided.
Masks are being distributed by the communes and the State, initially at the rate of 5 disposable surgical masks per person. By May 11, a further 50 masks are to be distributed by the Army to the population aged over 16 and to cross-border commuters.

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

Persistent border closures

At present, the borders with Belgium and France remain closed until further notice . Germany is gradually reopening its borders and lifting systematic controls. Only for compelling reasons, such as work, a medical emergency or assistance to a vulnerable person, will people be allowed to cross into neighboring countries.

Deconfinement measures as of May 11, 2020

From May 11, 2020 and the return to school of high school students, businesses can reopen their doors. This includes hairdressers and beauty salons.

In addition, 32 listed sports are once again permitted, including outdoor sports such as tennis, golf, etc. 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 outsiders and 12 people in total in the home. Everyone must respect the measures of social distancing and individual protection.

Some museums are gradually reopening their doors.

Many companies still prefer to work from home. Some, however, ask for feedback from their employees, with respect for barrier gestures.

Decommissioning on May 4, 2020

Schools will resume progressively from May 4, May 11 and May 25, depending on the child's class.

Schools will resume in several stages. Firstly, students inhigher education and the final year of secondary school (final year of lycée) will resume on May 4. Examinations will therefore normally be held from May 25 onwards on the syllabus up to and including March 13. In a second phase, othersecondary school pupils will resume classes on Monday May 11. Classes will be held in 2 groups, alternating every other week.

Pupils inbasic education, crèches and halfway houses will return to school on Monday May 25.

Extra-curricular activities will not resume until the summer, with the exception of conservatory classes starting on May 11.

Medical and dental practices will resume their activities from May 4, with certain precautions and by appointment only. Patients must make an appointment by telephone beforehand. Only the patient must be present, except in the case of children or dependent persons. Masks must be worn, and hands disinfected.

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

Progressive decontamination from April 20

As of April 20, construction sites will resume, recycling centers will reopen and DIY stores will open. This first stage will last 3 weeks, and will be carried out in compliance with protection measures and respect for barrier gestures.

Containment and population protection

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

Only one person is allowed out at a time for :

  • groceries and basic necessities, as well as agricultural, viticultural, horticultural and forestry products,
  • go to health facilities (doctor, pharmacist, etc.)
  • travel to the workplace to carry out his or her professional activity, if telecommuting is not possible
  • assist the elderly, minors, dependent or vulnerable persons
  • in an emergency, to banking, insurance, social security and postal services
  • in the event 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 respect a social distance of 2 meters.

Despite a gradual resumption of activity, all events and gatherings are prohibited until July 31 inclusive. The Fête Nationale on June 23 will therefore not be celebrated this year, nor will the Schueberfouer in 2020.

Schools closed until May 4, 2020

All schools will be closed from March 16 until May 4, 2020. Children will not return to school on April 20 after the Easter vacations. They will continue school via the Internet.
In concrete terms, 150,000 pupils and 20,000 teachers will now attend class online, in contact with their teachers by e-mail or via digital platforms.

A dedicated Heydoo. lu website has been specially created for the occasion. Information is provided in the country's 5 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-priority public places

All cafés, restaurants and other places open to the public, which are not a priority in terms of activity, are closed. Some continue to deliver to homes.

Faced with the closure of all business activity, a number of initiatives have been launched to support retailers. The kaaftlokal.lu/ website supports Luxembourg's retail community. On the website, consumers can purchase vouchers worth between 5 and 100 euros, valid at registered retailers. The funds raised, excluding the 10% commission, are immediately paid back to the retailers. The aim is to enable them to pay their bills while waiting for their stores to reopen. At the end of the crisis, the vouchers can be used at these retailers to purchase goods.

The reopening of hotels, cafés and restaurants and other non-priority businesses under study from May 11.

Sports halls, facilities and other sporting sites such as golf courses will remain closed to the public until further notice. Their reopening will depend on the evolution of the epidemic, following the first decompartmentalization measures.

Supermarkets and other food stores

Still open during the crisis, supermarkets are adapting by imposing a social distance on their customers. The flow of customers is regulated as soon as they enter the store, and a distance of 2 metres is required when waiting at the checkouts. Cashiers are now protected by the appropriate equipment: gloves, mask and glass to protect them from customers.

Many supermarkets disinfect carts between customers. They make gel and gloves available to their customers.

From April 20 onwards, all customers will be required to wear a mouth mask and respect the 2-meter distance requirement.

Medical services on standby for Covid19 crisis

The Luxembourg government has clearly made public health its number 1 priority. All the necessary medical services have been deployed to combat the epidemic on Luxembourg territory.

Doctor's surgeries are back in business as of May 4, subject to certain rules.

Coronavirus screening in advanced care centers

Luxembourg has based its strategy to combat the virus on massive screening of people suspected of infection with Covid-19. The rate of testing is 6 times higher than in France or Belgium. These tests are carried out not only on residents, but also on cross-border commuters.

4 Advanced Care Centers have been set up to screen for the Coronavirus in people showing symptoms of infection. Accessible without a prescription, these ASCs have 8 consulting physician lines and are open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. 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 - Centre culturel place du Marché aux Bestiaux L-6731 Grevenmacher (open 9am-12pm)

Medical consultations

As part of the Covid 19 pandemic, the government is setting up a medical e-consultation platform. The doctena.lu website has also adapted, offering video-consultations.

Hospital structures

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

The government has therefore requisitioned a large number of hotel rooms. Frontier workers in hospitals can take advantage of this to improve their working conditions and ensure the safety of their families. Health services are being maintained, and are proving their effectiveness.

Ten patients from eastern France, overwhelmed by the pandemic, are welcomed and treated in Luxembourg hospitals.

Luxembourg has a good hospital structure. They welcome Covid-19 patients requiring hospitalization.

The CHL builds a temporary field hospital. This provides capacity for 200 additional beds and 100 respirators. CHEM has also reinforced its structures by installing additional beds in its cafeteria. A further 128 beds are now available for Covid-19 patients.

CHL closed its Covid19 resuscitation unit on May 18, 2020.

Coronavirus research and control

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

Covid19 economic measures to help businesses

The Luxembourg government has released funds to help companies hit by the coronavirus crisis.

  • Aid for the self-employed : on the initiative of the Minister for the Middle Classes, self-employed workers facing financial difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 crisis can apply for an emergency allowance of 2,500 euros, provided their professional income is less than two and a half times the minimum social wage.
  • Assistance for VSEs: VSEs (maximum 9 employees) whose activity has been interrupted as part of the fight against the coronavirus (Grand-Ducal regulation of March 18, 2020) can apply for a subsidy of 5,000 euros, provided their annual sales exceed 15,000 euros.
  • Support for the media: the media benefited from grants of 5,000 euros for each journalist involved in maintaining news continuity at the height of the pandemic crisis.
  • Other professions, such as dentists forced to close their practices, have also benefited from aid.
  • Find out more here about emergency aid to help small businesses in the Covid19 cride.

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