Under social distancing measures introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus in Luxembourg, all events involving physical gatherings are banned. Indeed large gatherings and sports events have been cancelled until 31 July. But that doesn't mean the world grinds to a halt.
What are the rules in Luxembourg?
Residents were always permitted to do physical activities like walking, running and cycling, provided they do it alone, or with someone they live with and respect a social distance if they encounter other people.
Since 11 May, this has been extended to certain federated sports, provided they are conducted outdoors, are non-competitive, do not offer public viewing, and participants respect hygiene and social distancing measures. Full details of permitted outdoor sports can be found here.
Sports centres may open for specific sports clubs at the discretion of the owners. However, showers and changing facilities will remain closed at sports centres.
Gyms, playgrounds, sports hall and swimming pools remain closed to the general public for the time being.
Since this date, it is permitted to meet up to six people not from the same household in your home. Outdoor gatherings of up to 20 people are also permitted, for example for wedding celebrations or funerals. In all cases social distancing measures should be observed and masks worn when coming within two metres of other people.
Also since 11 May, cultural venues including museums have reopening for individuals and families. The number of visits will be controlled, however. A full list of cultural venues that will reopen with restrictions can be viewed here.
Since 20 April, it is compulsory to wear a mask in a shop, on public transport and anywhere you may come into within two metres of another person not from the same household.
While cinemas and theatres remain closed, Mamer commune will open a drive-in cinema on the car park of Bauhaus. Tickets cost €15 per vehicle, €10 for children's movies. The full line-up will be published from 12 May with screenings to be held from Wednesday to Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays. Cars will need an FM radio to be able to hear the audio of the movie.
Below is a selection of recurring online cultural and leisure events and happenings:
Music:
- The Phil Live Doheem televises a live concert from the Philharmonie each Friday at 8pm.
- The Crazy Quarantine Sessions is a series of filmed and recorded music sessions during the lockdown.
- The Social Distancing Festival: A celebration of performances being broadcast live around the world, it features live theatre, music shows, album releases and even opera performances from the Met, you can enjoy the performances any time.
- Live aus der Stuff: Translated as “live from the living room”, it features performances from local artists performed live daily at 8pm.
- The Royal Albert Hall, in London, is broadcasting performances by a varied line-up of artists from their homes.
Cinema:
- Catch local movies: In addition to showcasing Luxembourg cinematic creations, until the end of April the local video on demand platform vod.lu is screening films from the Luxembourg City Film Festival, which was cut short because of social distancing measures.
- Kanopy is streaming classic cinema and indie movies for free for anyone with a library card from an affiliated member. To be eligible, you need to register with the CNA.
Physical activity:
- Practise yoga: A number of yoga studios in Luxembourg are streaming video classes. Among them are Centre de Yoga La Source and Yogaloft.
Performing arts:
- National Theatre plays: This London-based theatre is releasing videos of a recent play each Thursday on YouTube from 8pm. Viewers then have a week to watch the play.
- The Royal Opera House has created a schedule of free broadcasts and live content that audiences can access for free anywhere, anytime across the globe
- Shakespeare’s Globe is making one play from the playwright’s canon available for free every two weeks
- Catch some local comedy with a twist at the "Party at home" show, using a chatroulette app.
For families:
- Hear iconic actor Christopher Walken read iconic book "Where the Wild Things Are" on YouTube. More audio books from Reading Addicts.
- Take part in an online drawing contest organise by Rotondes, the theme of which is revealed on 18 April.
Literature:
- Read or contribute written works inspired by the coronavirus health crisis on Sandra Schmit's dedicated website.
- Take part in the Lux Writers Who Talk crit lit group, hosted each Tuesday evening.
- Borrow library books online through the ebooks.lu platform, affiliated with 13 partner libraries.
- Read archive material about Luxembourg from the national library's online archive
Art:
- The Centre national de l’audiovisuel (CNA) has commissioned 6 local photographers to document the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on Luxembourg in an online exhibition known as the "Pandemic Chronicles". A different photographer will publish their work on the CNA's Facebook page each week.
Can’t find what you’re looking for here? Check out the government’s Frequently Asked Questions section.