Speaking in parliament videoconference with members of the army and police on Thursday, the Déi Gréng minister said that since confinement and social distancing measures were brought in on 16 March, police had carried out 5,000 checks.

Under coronavirus mitigation measures enshrined in law, police can fine people who flout social distancing rules and fail to limit their movements €145 and businesses can be fined €4,000 for not respecting compulsory closure orders. In both cases, the fine can be double for repeat offenders.

These rules will continue to be applied. However, starting 27 April, police will also be able to fine people €145 for not wearing mouth protection on public transport and in shops.

Bausch said that overall, police had reported a decrease in crime, except in cases involving illegal drugs. They also witnessed new problems emerging, namely the illegal dumping of waste, presumably because of the closure of recycling centres, and speeding in deserted streets. The number of calls to household disputes was also said to be high, however, police had not recorded an increase in domestic violence calls.

Bausch said that on the whole, people in Luxembourg were complying with confinement rules.

Police have taken measures to protect themselves and those they work with. According to Bausch, patrols are done in the same pairs and vehicles, to avoid mixing teams and units. All patrol cars were equipped with protective equipment before the crisis, a measure taken following the bird flu outbreaks.