Luxembourg's authorities have confirmed a first case of coronavirus in the Grand Duchy.
Tests carried out over the weekend first in Luxembourg and then in Rotterdam confirmed that the individual in question was infected with COVID-19.
In light of this development, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel convened a "pandemic" crisis cell, in consultation the Minister of Health and the High Commissioner for National Protection. The crisis cell met under the chairmanship of Health Minister Paulette Lenert and brought together all the ministries and administrations concerned by the subject in question.
The infected patient returned from northern Italy via Charleroi Airport. After developing symptoms of COVID-19, the man, reportedly in his 40s, contacted the health authorities, in accordance with the recommendations issued by the Health Directorate, to undergo a diagnostic test. This test has since been confirmed by a laboratory in Rotterdam. The patient is currently quarantined in hospital, although he no longer presents any symptoms and is doing well, according to the authorities.
The crisis cell recalled that, while the risk for the population remains low at this stage, other cases may arise in Luxembourg. In this context, measures are in place to limit and mitigate the spread of the virus. Indeed, individuals who had been in contact with the infected patient since his return to Luxembourg have been identified and those who were in direct contact with him have also been quarantined. At this point, none of these people have presented any symptoms and the first tests have come back negative.
The authorities similarly recalled that travellers from a risk zone (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Northern Italy) and who display certain symptoms (fever, cough, respiratory problems) should call the Health Inspection Department via tel.: 247-85650 (during office hours) or 112 (outside office hours).
The crisis cell has not recommended cancelling events or demonstrations at this stage, except those which are likely to bring together a large number of people from the regions at risk. In case of doubt, organisers can contact the Health Directorate, which will assess the situation according to the recommendations of the Robert-Koch-Institut.
Up-to-date general information is available, in five languages including English, on the www.government.lu site. In addition, a hotline intended for the general public will operate from 14:00 on Monday 2 March 2020 via tel.: 8002-8080. Anyone returning from a risk zone or who has come into close contact with an infected individual and who presents COVID-19 symptoms can call this hotline. The emergency number 112 remains reserved for emergencies.
