After Thursday evening's extraordinary meeting of the Luxembourg government's cabinet called to address measures to deal with the spread of the coronavirus, they released a statement covering a number of areas.

In addition to closing all educational establishments for two weeks from next Monday, they also announced a series of new measures and recommendations in order to protect public health - the evolution of the COVID-19 virus in Luxembourg has resulted in a significant increase in cases in the last 24 hours and the first cases of local transmission.

To come up with a new strategy of focussing more on the treatment of severe cases and the protection of fragile elements of the population, Luxembourg has followed the measures taken by many other countries, in particular Switzerland and Belgium.

Concerning hospitals, visits to in-patients are prohibited; however, in the event that such a visit does take place, all necessary protective measures must be taken to ensure the protection of patients and can only be undertaken with special authorisation issued by the management of the hospital. Wherever possible, scheduled visits should be cancelled. Also, leave for all hospital / health sector personnel is recommended to be cancelled.

Chronicle.lu also understands that non-essential out-patient procedures are being postponed.

Diagnostic tests for suspected cases of infection are no longer recommended; instead, tests are being reserved for severe cases or those with complications. In this context, the notion of risk zone is no longer relevant to define a test indication.

Anyone who presents symptoms compatible with an acute respiratory infection (possible SARS-CoV-2 infection) is to go into self-isolation at home for the duration of the symptoms, followed by a period of 24 hours after the end of symptoms. A test is no longer necessary if the symptoms remain mild.

Anyone who has been in direct or close contact (<2m for more than 15 minutes) with a confirmed case of infection is to go into auto-quarantine at home for 7 days, followed by a period of 7 days of self-monitoring (resumption of normal activities, but monitoring of body temperature twice a day, or cough, breathing difficulties).

Regarding public transport, frequencies are being adjusted following the suspension of school transport. Also, in order to avoid prolonged close contact with the driver, the first two rows in all buses are not to be used by passengers.

And regarding businesses and public administrations, both are encouraged to continue their activities, as far as possible on the basis of their business continuity plans, in particular with regard to essential services. Teleworking is to be promoted as far as possible and preferably among the vulnerable population.

For vulnerable people including at-risk groups, i.e. those aged 65+ and people who suffer from any of a series of pre-existing conditions (Diabetes; Cardiovascular illnesses; Chronic respiratory diseases; Cancer; Weak immune systems due to illness or therapy) are at increased risk of developing severe complications.

For such people, the following recommendations apply:

- Carry out shopping outside of peak hours, if possible
- Postpone unnecessary trips
- Avoid mass events and places where a large number of people gather (in cinemas, concert halls, sports arenas) and where it is not possible to maintain a safe distance of 1 - 2 metres
- Avoid public transport as much as possible.

For state-approved nursing homes and retirement homes, the following recommendations apply:

- Prohibition of visits and recommendation to avoid outings, except for staff and external providers, provided that they do not show symptoms (cough, fever, breathing difficulties).
- The directors of the structures may allow derogations from the prohibition of the right of access and exit, in exceptional cases for relatives and family members, provided that they do not show symptoms.
- Staff showing symptoms should remain at home.
- Anyone entering must disinfect their hands and respect general hygiene rules.

Activities of "senior clubs" are suspended. The activities in day care centres can be maintained. The same is true of support and care networks. Meals on wheels will be maintained.