Sunday 29 March, 8:30pm
The Luxembourg government extended family leave to parents with dependent child(ren) aged under 13, or a child with a disability up to the age of 18. Households in which one parent receives partial unemployment/short-time working, or which benefit from another form of childcare are excluded from the measure. The leave is offered to one parent at a time. It is also offered to self-employed people. Starting 30 March all applicants must complete and submit a new form to their employer and the CNS.
Sunday 29 March, 5:31 pm
The government stated a few moments ago that there are 1,950 confirmed covid-19 cases in Luxembourg (up from 1,831 as of Saturday at 5:30pm) and 21 people have died (up from 18).
Sunday 29 March, 11:05am
Here are the latest figures from neighbouring countries, announced by government sources, as of Saturday 28 March:
- Belgium: 10,836 confirmed cases (up from a cumulative total of 9,134 confirmed cases the previous day), including 431 deaths (up from a total of 353 deaths reported the previous day)
- France: 37,575 confirmed cases (up from 32,964), including 2,314 deaths (up from 1,995)
- Germany: 48,582 confirmed cases (up from 42,288), including 325 deaths (up from 253)
Globally there have been more than 665,000 confirmed infections and more than 30,800 deaths due to the virus.
Sunday 29 March, 10:45am
About 40 violations of the public gathering ban were reported in the neighbouring German state of Saarland on Saturday, per the Saarbrücker Zeitung and Saarländischer Rundfunk. These included around 150-200 people gathered in the Saarbrücker Staden riverfront park, groups of children on playgrounds, teenagers playing football and a gathering of 20 people. Police dispersed the crowds, but did not issue fines.
Sunday 29 March, 9:10am
Around 20 inmates at the prison in Jamioulx, near Charleroi in Belgium, rioted late Saturday afternoon, per RTBF. They demanded the restoration of family visits, which have been suspended during the covid-19 outbreak. About 60 police officers were deployed to restore order and allow firefighters to put out several fires. Prisoners at Luxembourg’s penitentiary in Schrassig protested earlier this week.
Saturday 28 March, 5:30pm
New figures released by the government show that 18 people have now died from coronavirus (up from 15 on Friday) and 1,831 people have been infected (up from 1,605).
Saturday 28 March, 11:20am
Here are the latest figures from neighbouring countries, announced by government sources, as of Friday 27 March:
- Belgium: 9,134 confirmed cases (up from a cumulative total of 7,284 confirmed cases the previous day), including 353 deaths (up from a total of 289 deaths reported the previous day)
- France: 32,964 confirmed cases (up from 29,155), including 1,995 deaths (up from 1,696)
- Germany: 42,288 confirmed cases (up from 36,508), including 253 deaths (up from 198)
Globally there have been more than 602,000 confirmed infections (including more than 100,000 cases in the US) and more than 27,400 deaths due to the virus.
Saturday 28 March, 9:10am
Adem, the jobs agency, has published (on the Chamber of Commerce website) an explanation in English of the new application process for the short-time working scheme, which can now be filed electronically.
Saturday 28 March, 9am
The economy ministry published an overview in English of the government support schemes available to firms (covered by Delano earlier this week). For more information, contact the Ministry of the Economy hotline, +352 8002 8080, or the Chamber of Commerce’s covid-19 business helpline, +352 42 39 445.
Friday 27 March, 4:45pm
New figures released by the government show that 15 people have now died from coronavirus (up from 9 on Thursday) and 1,605 people have been infected (up from 1,453). Health minister Paulette Lenert said 1,605 people had tested positive for the coronavirus in Luxembourg, not all were residents. A total 13,738 people have so far been tested in Luxembourg. Of those who tested positive, 54% were men and the average age was 46.
Friday 27 March, 2:28pm
UK prime minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus after displaying “mild” symptoms. Health secretary Matt Hancock has also contracted the virus. Both are in self-isolation, according to BBC News.
Friday 27 March, 12:15pm
Here are the latest figures from neighbouring countries, announced by government sources, as of Thursday 26 March:
- Belgium: 7,284 confirmed cases (up from a cumulative total of 6,235 confirmed cases the previous day), including 289 deaths (up from a total of 220 deaths reported the previous day)
- France: 29,155 confirmed cases (up from 25,233), including 1,696 deaths (up from 1,331)
- Germany: 36,508 confirmed cases (up from 31,554), including 198 deaths (up from 149)
Globally there have been more than 536,000 confirmed infections and more than 24,100 deaths due to the virus.
Thursday 26 March, 5:45pm
The government said a few moments ago that there were 1,453 confirmed covid-19 cases in Luxembourg (up from 1,333 as of Wednesday at 5:40pm) and 9 people have died (the death toll had not risen since 8 fatalities were reported on Saturday).
Thursday 26 March, 4:45pm
Luxembourg’s foreign affairs ministry said it chartered a Luxair flight from Cape Verde to Findel airport that repatriated 171 stranded European nationals, including 52 Luxembourgers and Luxembourg residents, on 25 March.
Thursday 26 March, 3:40pm
The health ministry said the country’s fourth “advanced care centre” (CSA) would open at the cultural centre in Grevenmachen tomorrow. The other centres opened earlier this week at Luxexpo in Kirchberg, the Rockhal in Belval and the Däichhal in Ettelbruck.
The centres provide preliminary care for suspected covid-19 cases and are open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Patients are advised to contact their GP or the government’s coronavirus hotline before going to one of the centres.
There is no charge for treatment at the centres for people with a National Health Fund (CNS) card.
Thursday 26 March, 2pm
Here are the latest figures from neighbouring countries, announced by government sources, as of Wednesday 25 March:
- Belgium: 6,235 confirmed cases (up from a cumulative total of 4,937 confirmed cases the previous day), including 220 deaths (up from a total of 178 deaths reported the previous day)
- France: 25,233 confirmed cases (up from 22,300), including 1,331 deaths (up from 1,100)
- Germany: 31,554 confirmed cases (up from 27,436), including 149 deaths (up from 114)
Thursday 26 March, 9:55am
During press conferences yesterday, the health minister said 10,000 people had been tested for covid-19, a higher proportion of the population than many other countries, and the finance, economy and SME ministers outlined the government’s €8.8bn plan to prop up Luxembourg’s economy.
Thursday 26 March, 9:50am
The government has suspended nearly all judicial deadlines and frozen residential evictions while the current pandemic is restricting people’s access to the courts. Details here.
Wednesday 25 March, 5:40pm
The government said a few minutes ago that there were 1,333 confirmed covid-19 cases in Luxembourg (up from 1,099 as of Tuesday at 5:50pm) and the death toll had not risen since 8 fatalities were reported on Saturday.
Wednesday 25 March, 2:40pm
Here are the latest figures from neighbouring countries, announced by government sources, as of Tuesday 24 March:
- Belgium: 4,937 confirmed cases (up from a cumulative total of 4,269 confirmed cases the previous day), including 178 deaths (up from a total of 122 deaths reported the previous day)
- France: 22,300 confirmed cases (up from 19,856), including 1,100 deaths (up from 860)
- Germany: 27,436 confirmed cases (up from 22,672), including 114 deaths (up from 86)
Wednesday 25 March, 2pm
Heir to the UK throne Prince Charles tested positive for coronavirus. According to BBC News, the 71-year-old is displaying “mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health.” He is self-isolating at Balmoral with his wife, Camilla.
Wednesday 25 March, 10:30am
Five patients have been transferred from hospitals in Alsace to the CHL medical complex in Luxembourg, according to RTL. Two were flown (separately) by helicopter on Tuesday and three on Monday, RTL reported. Two more French patients are expected. Alsace is one of the French areas hardest hit by the covid-19 outbreak. Patients are also being transferred from Alsace to other parts of France, Germany and Switzerland.
Wednesday 25 March, 8:20am
Between 6,000 and 7,000 companies have applied for the state’s short-time working scheme since the covid-19 crisis started, Dan Kersch, the deputy prime minister and labour minister (LSAP), told 100,7 public radio. Typically, 25 to 30 firms request partial unemployment aid each month, he said in the radio interview. Kersch indicated that the government’s current provision of €300m for state aid will likely be insufficient.
Tuesday 24 March, 5:55pm
The government said a short time ago that there were 1,099 confirmed covid-19 cases in Luxembourg (up from 875 as of Monday at 5:30pm) but that the death toll had not risen since 8 fatalities were reported on Saturday.
Tuesday 24 March, 4:15pm
Here are the latest figures from neighbouring countries, announced by government sources, as of Monday 23 March:
- Belgium: 4,269 confirmed cases (up from 3,743 confirmed cases the previous day), including 122 deaths (up from 88 deaths the day before)
- France: 19,856 confirmed cases (up from 16,018), including 860 deaths (up from 674)
- Germany: 22,672 confirmed cases (up from 18,610), including 86 deaths (up from 55)
Correction: Incorrect figures for Germany were previously published here; this was updated on 25 March at 8am
Tuesday 24 March, 4pm
The International Olympic Committee announced a postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to safeguard the health of athletes and everyone involved. The games will be scheduled for no later than summer 2021. The Paralympics will also be rescheduled.
Marc Schreiner, president of the Luxembourg Paralympic Committee said in a communiqué that the LPC welcomed the decision, but that personally he though the decision was taken “far too late” and only after external pressure was applied on the IOC.
Tuesday 24 March, 8:15am
Three French doctors have died after contracting covid-19, including a GP who passed away in Saint-Avold (about 60km southeast of Schengen) on Sunday evening, per AFP and RFI. The Republicain Lorrain reported that Dr Sylvain Welling was aged 60.
Tuesday 24 March, 8am
Morning roundup:
The City of Luxembourg has cancelled a series of public events, including the ING marathon, up until 14 June. It’s not looking good for anyone hoping to celebrate National Day eve on 22 June.
CFL has announced new reduced services on several of its train lines.
The cities of Luxembourg and Esch have both suspended rents for all shop owners in properties that the cities own.
Monday 23 March, 5:35pm
The government said a few moments ago that there were 875 confirmed covid-19 cases in Luxembourg (up from 798 as of Sunday at 10:15am) and the death toll remained steady at 8.
Monday 23 March, 4:30pm
Luxembourg’s health ministry has told licensed medical personnel to participate in an online census “in order to optimise management of the national health reserve.” More details here.
Monday 23 March, 3:15pm
Here are the latest figures from neighbouring countries, announced by government sources, as of Sunday 22 March:
- Belgium: 3,743 confirmed cases (up from 3,401 confirmed cases the previous day, including 88 deaths (up from 67 deaths the day before)
- France: 16,018 confirmed cases (up from 14,459), including 674 deaths (up from 562)
- Germany: 18,610 confirmed cases (up from 16,662), including 55 deaths (up from 47)
Monday 23 March, 9:30am
Luxembourg launched phase 2 of its emergency response to the coronavirus, closing the capital's Maison Médicale at 12 noon to start moving equipment to the first of four advanced health centres at Luxexpo The Box. More information on what phase 2 means here.
Monday 23 March, 7:15am
Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the CSSF, called on financial institutions to “immediately review their current organisational setup so as to ensure that the least possible staff has to travel to, and work from, their usual workplace or backup site.” The regulator said that remote working was preferred over sending staff to secondary offices. In bold font, the CSSF stated on Sunday:
“It is of paramount importance that the financial centre makes its contribution to protecting as much as possible the health system and follows the clear call from doctors and the government to stay home. Therefore remote access from home must be privileged over other forms of working, including working from backup centres.”