In a televised press conference at 11am, health minister Paulette Lenert (LSAP) announced empty hotels were being converted into accommodation for cross-border health workers and their families. Some eight emergency crèches had also been opened to care for the children of healthcare workers on duty, in light of the fact that all other crèches have closed as a precautionary measure.

At the same time, medical students had also offered their services in an effort to support the health system, and talks are underway to train additional staff to cope with future demand.

Starting Wednesday, Lenert said that targeted testing would be carried out on the country’s most vulnerable, at new pop-up medical centres or “maisons médicales.”

A lockdown began in Luxembourg at midnight Sunday. Lenert said that by reducing unnecessary journeys and contacts, the virus’ spread could be slowed down, potentially saving the lives of the country’s most vulnerable residents and avoiding overwhelming the health system.

“The goal is to avoid our health system being no longer able to cope like in Italy […] our goal is to stay within capacity. We’re trying to gain time to reduce movements and the impact. Above all, people must avoid moving around,” Lenert said.

Since the introduction of border controls in Germany, cross-border workers coming to Luxembourg from Germany are now advised to use a special form.

Shops and businesses

Only essential shops and businesses are permitted to stay open during the self-isolation period. Restaurants may continue to operate but only through a take-away service. Lenert said that starting Tuesday, police would issue fines to businesses which did not respect this rule.

Meanwhile, she said that efforts were being made to ensure shops remain fully stocked. She added that two Cargolux flights were bringing supplies into the country. She said: “The situation here is not as dramatic as in other countries. We’re relatively well placed.”

Lenert added, however, that an order for “materials, masks and tests” had not yet arrived.

No further deaths have been reported in Luxembourg since the first, a 94-year old, was announced on Friday.

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If you suspect that you have covid-19, isolate yourself from anyone susceptible to be infected and contact the government hotline, 8002 8080. Do not go to your see your GP or the emergency room. In case of emergency, telephone 112. For more information and the latest official updates, consult the Luxembourg government’s coronavirus information website. Additional information about covid-19 can be found on the websites of the UK’s National Health Service, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization.