Between 19 and 25 December, 1,656 new cases of covid-19 were registered in the grand duchy, compared to 1,464 the week prior. An additional 1,073 reinfections and 8 deaths were also counted. 38 patients were admitted into hospital over the 7-day period, with the average age of patients being 67. 

“With the increasing spread of various respiratory diseases in winter, it is still important to think about how best to protect yourself against COVID-19,” the Luxembourg Ministry of Health tweeted on 28 December. A pop-up vaccination centre for covid-19 will be open in Esch-Belval on 6, 13 and 20 January to facilitate the access to vaccines. The Victor Hugo vaccination centre remains open too. Patients can also get a vaccine or booster shot at their GP’s or in a pharmacy. Currently 79% of the grand duchy’s eligible population is vaccinated.

Flu cases exploded over the same time period, growing by 84% in a week to reach 2,551 cases. According to the health ministry, this represents a higher spike than the flu outbreak that took place in spring of this year. Health minister Paulette Lenert (LSAP) in October 2022 had already recommended that those especially vulnerable to the virus get vaccinated. This includes the immunocompromised, pregnant women, HIV-positive people and people above the age of 65. Influenza and covid-19 shots are compatible and can therefore be administered in one visit. 

Bronchiolitis has put a strain on Luxembourg’s healthcare system too, especially the Kannerklinik. While no vaccine is available for bronchiolitis--a virus that can cause severe symptoms in children under the age of 2--the government recommends that adults and older children, who can be carriers for the virus, adopt the same preventative measures as with covid-19. This includes frequent washing of hands and social distancing in case of flu-like symptoms.