Whereas a press release from Monday 14 October indicated that in the week between 5 and 11 October, 12% of new Covid-19 infections recorded in Luxembourg could be traced back to schools, the ministry of health, on Saturday, pointed out that these statistics did not solely refer to Luxembourg public and private primary and high schools but also included the University of Luxembourg as well as Luxembourg students studying abroad but living at home. 

With regard to the latter, the ministry of health specified an increased number of infections in relation to Belgian universities particularly Louvain, Namur and Liège. 

Looking at the Luxembourg school system individually, the ministry recorded 8 infections in relation to 2 infection chains in specific schools as well as 85 Covid-19 cases where two students from the same class were tested positive. 

National Teachers’ Union demands new measures 

Meanwhile, reacting to the spike in Covid-19 cases across schools, the Syndicat National des Enseignants--national school teachers' union--has pushed for politicians to prioritise the health and safety of teachers and pupils by introducing new measures. 

In a statement, the SNE called for the introduction of mobile air purifiers and CO2 sensors to measure air quality, enable more effective ventilation and prevent staff and students from sitting in freezing classrooms all day. 

The union is also demanding stricter distancing rules by splitting classes, or using bigger classrooms if necessary, and for school staff to be equipped with thermometers to check temperatures so that they can send pupils with flu-like symptoms home immediately.

On Saturday, prime minister Xavier Bettel (DP) and health minister Paulette Lenert (LSAP), in a joint press conference, had announced that no new restrictions would be put in place despite alarming spikes in Covid-19 infections.