Outlining some of the decisions taken during an extraordinary cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Bettel explained that an emergency draft law had been drawn up to tackle the economic and health consequences of the coronavirus spread in Luxembourg. He expected the bill to pass into law within the next ten days.

He explained that Luxembourg would enter into a state of emergency for a maximum of three months, enabling the state to respond quickly with action as the situation evolves.

Fines

Bettel explained that sanctions were foreseen for people who do not respect the self-isolation measure (for example gathering in large groups). People will not be expected to present a form if found outside of their home, as is the case in France--instead they can verbally explain the circumstances. However, people leaving their home without a justified reason could face fines of up to €145. Businesses who do not respect closures will be fined up to €4,000, a figure which will double for repeat offenders. Justified reasons include buying essentials, travelling to or from work, caring for a friend or family member, seeking medical care or taking some fresh air.

Residency permits

Foreign residents whose permits expire during the crisis period will be subject to an automatic extension until the end of the crisis, Bettel said.

Shop supplies

Bettel said that food and essentials would be available in shops for everyone, thanks to measures to ensure fluid logistics and the hard work of shop staff. However, he appealed to consumers to stop panic buying as it creates a strain at certain times and could mean people working during the day will not find what they need when they do their food shopping in the evening. Bettel said there were no plans to limit the amount people purchase. He pointed out it would be hard to distinguish between a person panic buying and someone shopping for five people, for example.

A Luxembourg Marshall plan?

Bettel would not be drawn on questions about introducing a Marshall plan for the country. “It will cost what it will cost,” he said. He reiterated that saving lives was the priority.

What about funerals?

Since large gatherings of people should be avoided as part of social distancing measures, in the event of a funeral, Bettel urged mourners to limit themselves to small family gatherings. He suggested larger memorials with friends and extended family could be held after the crisis period.

Bringing in the army

Bettel said it was possible that the army would be called upon to assist the police in maintaining checks on people's movement. He did not go into detail but said the interior security minister, François Bausch (déi Gréng) would expand further in a press conference scheduled for Thursday. The prime minister also said that he was not aware of any plans to track movement via mobile phones, as had reportedly happened in Italy and Germany.

Testing

Bettel said further tests would be organised in the country. He did not give further details but explained that some clinics were conducting drive-in tests.

“This is not to make life impossible for everyone. It’s not about banning things for the sake of banning them. It’s about protecting the population,” Bettel said.