The government has ordered 1.5 million antigen tests at a cost of €2.3 million for distribution to the catering industry. (Photo: Matic Zorman/Maison Moderne/archives)

The government has ordered 1.5 million antigen tests at a cost of €2.3 million for distribution to the catering industry. (Photo: Matic Zorman/Maison Moderne/archives)

With the introduction of the 2G+ regime, restaurants and bars will have to rush to get a supply of antigen tests. The government plans to distribute 1.5 million tests as of next week.

In his latest announcement on the new pandemic restrictions, prime minister (DP) explained that . But guests (vaccinated or cured) that have not yet received a booster dose will have to perform a self-test on the spot.

As this measure was supposed to come into force this weekend, the hotel and restaurant sector was caught a bit off guard. But the government has planned to distribute free antigen tests to the sector's professionals from next Wednesday.

"The government has made an urgent purchase of tests for the catering sector. About 1.5 million tests will be distributed in a first phase. The logistics arm of the crisis unit will deliver the tests to a distribution centre operated by the ministry for small and medium-sized enterprises and the Chamber of Commerce from this Friday morning. A distribution to the sector is envisaged from next Wednesday", said the ministry of state. The cost of the operation: around €2.3 million for orders placed with three Luxembourg suppliers, one Belgian supplier and one German supplier.

The ministry states that "before 31 December, 3 million antigenic tests will be delivered" to Luxembourg, leaving the government in a position to continue distributing tests.

The Horesca federation has also reactivated contacts with suppliers of antigenic tests in order to carry out group orders and allow those in the sector to benefit from a better price.