Luxembourg: Authorities announce new curfew from October 30 due to rise in COVID-19 cases /update 2

Event

Authorities in Luxembourg have announced that a nationwide 23:00-06:00 (local time) curfew will be in effect from Thursday, October 30, due to a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country. During the curfew, individuals may only leave their homes for essential reasons. The measure will initially be in effect until November 30. Public gatherings are limited to four people inside private residences, or at restaurants, while organized public gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed. Facemasks remain mandatory on public transport and in public spaces.

As of Friday, October 30, health authorities have confirmed 16,356 cases, with 150 associated fatalities. Further spread of the disease is expected over the near to medium 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.