Luxembourg: Authorities tighten several COVID-19 restrictions through December 15 /update 3

Event

Luxembourg authorities announced on Monday, November 30, that several domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related restrictions have been tightened until at least December 15, due to a rise in the number of cases. As of November 30, restaurants, bars, and sports facilities have been ordered to close while a nightly curfew remains in place between 23:00 - 06:00 (local time). Additionally, public gatherings are permitted with a maximum of 100 people while no more than three individuals are permitted to mix in an indoor environment.

Face masks remain mandatory in all public transport. Entry into the country is limited, however, a negative COVID-19 test is required upon entry, and must be taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.

As of November 30, there have been 34,678 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Luxembourg and 321 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.