The minister reminded the committee that 500,000 rapid tests had been sent to 2,600 companies in the hospitality sector in an initial phase, although the Chamber of Commerce, the entity which sent out the packages, saw a 20% return. Those who hadn’t received these “starter kits” should contact the Chamber for follow-up.

A second wave of 500,000 rapid tests were later donated--via pickup at LuxExpo--to the sector. A third wave, the minister explained, is not currently planned. 

The first wave included 80 to 640 units for each establishment, depending on the number of employees declared, although the minister added that the 1m total rapid tests for Horeca were designated for customer use, not employee use. It is up to the owner to decide whether to charge customers for the use of these tests, he added. However, 5.7m tests intended for employee use have also been distributed to Luxembourg companies. 

Minister Delles says there has been good feedback on flexibility to extend terraces, and that the Luxembourg government is considering a “phasing out” strategy with regards to current sanitary measures, currently in force until 12 June. A bill to determine next steps in terms of measures is expected to be tabled over the next week. 

Health director weighs in 

Director of health Jean-Claude Schmit said during the meeting that around 200 people carrying out the rapid tests were testing positive each week and revealed as much to authorities. 

When he was asked by the deputies on the vaccination strategy for youngsters, aged 12-15, with the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine, he said that such questions will be dealt with at the governing council on Wednesday and that the government is awaiting the opinion of the higher council for infectious diseases.