Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence François Bausch and Minister Delegate of Defence Henri Kox held a parliament video conference yesterday to take stock of the role played by the Luxembourg Army and the Grand Ducal Police in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.
Since March 2020, the Luxembourg Army has been in charge of security missions, the transport and surveillance of medical equipment stocks and the installation of medical tents to supplement hospital capacities. The army has also been involved in efforts to acquire medical supplies from abroad and has set up a drive in mask distribution site at Findel car park for craft businesses, in collaboration with the Chamber of Trades.
Concerning police efforts, the Grand Ducal Police have been on the field since the start of the crisis to monitor the containment measures put in place by the government on 16 March 2020. Since the start of the crisis, the police has carried out 5,000 checks; further checks on the now obligatory wearing of masks will begin in public transport and shops next week. As a reminder, anyone found to violate government restrictions risks receiving a €145 fine, while businesses not respecting imposed closures face fines of up to €4,000.
Police schedules have reportedly been adapted to reduce physical contact between officers. In addition, police representatives confirmed that all patrols had been equipped with protective equipment even before the crisis.
Regarding crime rates, the police have witnessed an overall decline in crime, except in the area of drugs. In addition, new problems have arisen during the crisis, such as the illegal dumping of waste. Speeding on empty streets has also been reported.
