Luxembourg: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Jan. 11 /update 9

Luxembourg plans to relax COVID-19-related domestic measures from Jan. 11; significant business and travel restrictions continue.

Event

Authorities plan to ease some domestic restrictions associated with the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic from Jan. 11. Nonessential businesses and entertainment venues, including cinemas and theaters, will be permitted to reopen in accordance with strict social-distancing mandates; smaller shops will be limited to two customers at a time, while larger stores will be limited to one person per 10 square meters (108 square feet). Schools will also reopen for onsite learning. The current 2100-0600 curfew timings, during which individuals may only leave home for essential reasons, will also ease, with the new curfew beginning at 2300. The following restrictions will remain in effect:

Individuals may only host up to two people from one other household indoors.
Public gatherings of over 100 people are prohibited.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars are closed for dine-in services.
Indoor sports facilities are closed.
Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces, at gatherings of more than four people, and in outdoor public spaces where social distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) is not possible.

There are currently no entry restrictions on travelers from countries within the European Union or Schengen Area, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Moreover, residents of Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay are also permitted to enter the country.

Most travelers from other countries, including the UK, remain prohibited from entry. Exceptions are in place for essential work, study, and family reasons; all such individuals arriving via air require evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours prior to departing for Luxembourg; those in possession of a negative test result taken within the previous 48-72 hours must take a further test on arrival and self-isolate until the result has been confirmed.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official advisories and remain nonconfrontational if stopped by authorities. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.