The first question, a frequent one, was: when will we finally get out of this crisis? "No one can say for sure today," replied Lenert. "But we remain optimistic, and it is indeed an exit from the crisis that we are aiming for, via a high vaccination rate.” Some countries had in fact already announced an end to the crisis, but this was "without counting on the pandemic, which will reveal its secrets little by little," she said. However, the minister remains "optimistic that we will be able to get through next year.”
73% of the population are first-time vaccine recipients
However, for the moment, the situation is deteriorating, with the incidence rate rising. Why is this? "All the experts had foreseen this fourth wave," Schmit said. "It is due to several factors. Firstly, it is certainly due to the fact that we are in autumn-winter. People are more indoors, closer to each other, and therefore the risk of contamination is greater. Then there is the fact that the vaccinations that were done at the beginning of the year are a little less active. There is a loss of effectiveness as the months go by." However, the director of health drew attention to the fact that "we see a big difference between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated.” The incidence of the virus is higher in the non-vaccinated than in the vaccinated.
The loss of effectiveness of vaccines is normal and justifies booster shots. But should we expect to have to do one every six months? "It's difficult to predict. For hepatitis, there are two injections, then a booster after 6 months and you're fine for a long time. Maybe it will be the same scenario for covid. The future will tell, but it is likely that the validity of this booster will be longer than 6 months," said Schmit.
An encouraging sign is that first-time vaccinations are increasing again. "This is important because we know that part of the population is not vaccinated. Today, 73% of the population has had at least one dose. Have the recent measures had an effect? "Without a doubt, since the number of first-time vaccinations has almost tripled," said Lenert. "This was the desired effect and the aim of the current vaccination week.”
The experts are clear: there is a benefit to vaccinating children.
One of the topics of the moment concerns the vaccination of children, as the virus is very virulent in children under 12 years of age who, "by definition, are not vaccinated. In secondary schools, where there are more people vaccinated, this is less the case. And in the young adult population, we also see a high circulation. What is a good sign is that the virus is circulating less in the well-vaccinated age groups." The Superior Council of Infectious Diseases has given the green light to start vaccinating children "as soon as the vaccines are available, from the second half of December", under a prioritisation to be decided on Friday at cabinet, which will obviously target vulnerable children or those living with fragile people. Further details will also be decided on Friday, including a communication strategy, and whether under-12s will be affected.
Many parents question the usefulness of vaccination for children. "It's a less easy discussion for children," agreed Schmit. “You have to weigh up the benefits and risks. But there are sick children, including long-standing Covid cases, and deaths, certainly not in Luxembourg... The studies on side effects are reassuring and some countries are already actively vaccinating children. The experts are clear: there is a benefit to vaccinating children.”
Still on the subject of vaccination, those who have chosen not to be vaccinated will see their lives change with the new Covid law, which comes into force on 18 December at the latest, and the introduction of the 2G protocol. But what about those who can't get vaccinated or can't get a booster shot? "There will be fallback solutions," the minister said. "Perhaps via a certificate and the provision of tests."
I am reassured to live in a society where we treat those who are ill without asking whether they are guilty of their illness. I would warn against this kind of thinking.
In any case, compulsory vaccination is not on the agenda. "You can't vaccinate someone by force," said Lenert. "But an obligation that provides for administrative sanctions or goes in the direction of preventing access to certain activities is compatible. Now we have to find a balance. Luxembourg is rather reluctant to go down this road in the middle of a crisis, it is very polarising. We prefer to work on the conviction of moving towards a partial lockdown. The 2G rules restrict activities for non-vaccinated people, that's another thing, I see a big difference. Legally, there is certainly a way of arranging a vaccination obligation but, at this stage, it is not envisaged. It is the last resort that we are trying to avoid.” Similarly, teleworking will only remain a recommendation because “the government has a preference for flexibility.”
Similarly, there is no question of charging for health care to the non-vaccinated. "Our society works on a principle of solidarity. If we open this door, we will create a gap that raises many ethical questions. I am reassured to live in a society where we don't ask ourselves these questions, where we treat the sick without asking ourselves whether they are guilty of their illness. I would warn against this kind of thinking,” said the minister of health.
The length of validity of the health pass also seems to be of concern. It is being discussed at European level. "We are looking for a consensus on a uniform duration. We are expecting news in the coming days.”
And thousands of invitations for a third dose will arrive in the next few days.
"In any case, vaccination is working well. We are doing things that make sense," says Schmit.
The Omicron variant was also discussed. "There is currently no case in Luxembourg. There was a case, but it was a Luxembourg citizen living abroad. The WHO is now a bit more reassuring about it. It seems that it is transmitted a little more. But does it make you sicker? That does not seem to be the case,” said the director of health.
Once the CovidCheck becomes compulsory in companies, on 15 January, controls will in any case take place, "as foreseen in the classical attributions of the ITM [the health and safety at work inspectorate]".
2G protocol also applied in canteens and refectories
In addition to the protocol for entering the workplace, canteens and refectories will operate in 2G mode (vaccinated or cured). “Contacts are intense there because we don't wear the mask. So we want to have a uniform line and organisation," said the minister.
Another question is the fact that a CovidCheck is valid for 6 months if you are cured, but is unlimited if you are vaccinated. "It is not unlimited," corrects Schmit. "Many countries are discussing the fact of reducing its validity. In any case, we know that an infection is less effective than vaccination in preventing reinfection.”
In this holiday season, when there is a lot of contact with family and friends, advises "vaccination, and precautions like masks when necessary." Two to three self-tests per week, opting for a surgical mask rather than a cloth one, and wearing masks outside when there are people around are also recommended measures. "Let's remain cautious even if it is not written into the law," concluded Lenert. She is convinced that the measures taken will bear fruit and will help to contain the virus.
With the hope that the horizon will clear in the course of next year. If not a real and definitive end to the crisis.
This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.