The Centre for Ecological Learning Luxembourg (CELL) and Transition Minett, two non-profit organisations working towards an ecological transition in the Grand Duchy, have expressed their concerns in a joint press release over what they perceive as the divisive nature of recent COVID-19 measures.
For more than a decade, CELL and Transition Minett have been implementing projects aimed at building an inclusive society that respects living beings in all their forms. However, the two non-profits are now "deeply concerned about the damage caused to society by the latest health measures", which came into force on 15 January 2022, i.e. the obligatory introduction of the CovidCheck system in the workplace.
According to the organisations, these measures will lead to "visibly underestimated collateral damage, whether on a social, psychological or paediatric level".
The non-profits recalled that health extends beyond indicators linked to COVID-19 and is impacted by factors such as "the absence of links and real exchanges, isolation or even the absence of prospects".
In particular, CELL and Transition Minett emphasised the role of management planning in the short, medium and long term in order to prevent other crises, as well as the social consequences of the health crisis. They stressed: "We want inclusion and respect for individuals, citizens, whoever they are".
Moreover, the non-profits drew attention to the role of human activities in climate change and the loss of biodiversity and, "through their impact on our environment, the risk of a pandemic".
"It is therefore essential to get to the root of these problems and not to treat the symptoms on the surface", they continued. "Our challenge is to respond to large-scale ecological and climatic issues. Challenges that we must meet together. All together".
CELL and Transition Minett thus argued that we should "develop our awareness of the ecological, social, economic, educational and societal issues related to the health crisis".
In order to take into account the societal challenges assocatiated with the management of the health crisis, the organisations have called on the Luxembourg Government to set up a space for public dialogue "where everyone can express themselves without violence and with mutual respect".
