Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Health Paulette Lenert held a press briefing about the third phase of the national exit plan earlier this Monday. Here's a summary of the key points.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Health Paulette Lenert held a press conference on Monday afternoon, detailing the next phase of Luxembourg's deconfinement. There was good news all around for the businesses of the Grand Duchy, with the country moving towards complete reopening. Several safety precautions must however be respected, and Bettel noted that the crisis is not over - we are able to reopen more fully due to the continued solidarity and cooperation of everyone in the country. The state of emergency remains in effect, and a coronavirus law is being drafted.
Only 1 new confirmed infection today
Xavier Bettel started the press conference by stating that only one new infection was confirmed in today's update. 3,993 people have tested positive for the virus as of this Monday. Only four people remain in intensive care.
Minister of Health Paulette Lenert noted that test results in individual sectors do not indicate increased numbers of new infections. While recent developments have been positive, Lenert noted that the virus is still present and that there is, as yet, no vaccine. Lenert also stressed that vulnerable individuals need to be extra careful.
Bars, cafes, and restaurants
Xavier Bettel announced that bars, cafes and restaurants can reopen as of Friday, 29 May. This is for indoor seating, while outdoor areas may reopen even sooner - on Wednesday 27 May. There are however safety precautions that must be respected:
- Guests have to be seated (they cannot stand at the bar), and there is a maximum of 4 people per table (unless they are from the same household);
- Guests have to wear masks when they enter the venue or go to the bathroom, but not at the table;
- A 2-metre distance must be maintained between tables - this of course does not apply to people sharing a table;
- If the 2-metre distance cannot be maintained, plexiglass must be erected between the tables;
- Restaurants can only open for bookings, so that reservations can be balanced to ensure the 2-metre distance.
- Bars have to close at midnight.
Police will make regular checks to ensure that these measures are being respected. Unlike in other countries, restaurant guests do not need to give their contact details before entering.
Gyms and sport halls allowed to reopen
Gyms are allowed to reopen again as of Friday, 29 May. This also goes for other sport venues - tennis, badminton, etc. - so long as a physical distance of 2 metres can be guaranteed. This is all on the precondition that the venues in question have in place measures to ensure compliance with physical distancing.
Swimming pools can also reopen, provided they present a valid reopening plan that guarantees the respect of the health safety measures.
Indoor and outdoor playgrounds remain closed until further notice.
Cultural venues, cinemas, and majority of businesses
As with gyms and restaurants, these will be allowed to reopen as of Friday, 29 May. The same restrictions do of course apply - they must have measures in place to ensure that physicaldistancing is guaranteed.
Spas and wellness areas have to remain closed for the time being.
Gatherings exceeding 20 people
The maximum number of guests you can welcome at your home remains 6. Up to 20 people can meet outside as long as physical distance is maintained.
Xavier Bettel announced this Monday that exceptions to the rule can be made for exceptional events such as funerals, weddings, protests, congresses, and cultural events. In other words, more than 20 people can attend these events.
