Luxembourg: Second phase of easing lockdown measures begins May 11 /update 1

Event

The second phase of Luxembourg's gradual relaxation of restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) began on Monday, May 11. In this phase, shops and other commercial establishments are permitted to reopen while hairdressers and beauticians can operate on an appointment only basis. Libraries and museums will reopen but at a reduced capacity. Outdoor non-contact sports activities can resume and gatherings of up to six people indoors and 20 people outdoors are permitted.

Restrictions first being eased easing on Monday, April 20, during which construction and gardening businesses were allowed to resume and recycling centers and DIY stores reopened. Some secondary schools reopened on Monday, May 4, however, in some cases only half of the students will attend each week to reduce numbers. Other secondary schools resumed on May 11. A third phase will begin on Monday, May 25, during which primary schools, crèches, and other childcare facilities will resume. Public gatherings remain prohibited until Friday, July 31. Commercial air travel to and from Luxembourg is currently suspended.

As of May 11, health authorities in Luxembourg have confirmed 3888 cases of COVID-19, with 101 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is 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.