On Thursday afternoon, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health, Paulette Lenert, held a press conference on the current situation of the country’s “maisons médicales” (medical houses), which are being used to treat patients with coronavirus symptoms.
Paulette Lenert began by confirming the latest official figures, as announced this morning: 335 confirmed cases and a total of four deaths resulting from coronavirus in Luxembourg. Minister Lenert later confirmed that all four victims had been aged 80 or over and had suffered underlying medical conditions. She added that the average age of coronavirus patients in the Grand Duchy was 46.
Returning to the subject of the country’s three medical houses, the Health Minister confirmed that these infrastructures had been opened successfully and will operate daily from 08:00 to 16:00 non-stop. Minister Lenert then confirmed plans to open future medical houses throughout the country, particularly in the northern and eastern regions, in order to increase capacities. Such plans are expected to be developed further next week.
In the Q&A session that followed the press briefing, Minister Lenert estimated that Luxembourg, like other European countries, would reach the peak of the virus in the next fortnight. In the meantime, the recent introduction of stricter government measures are aimed at keeping social contact and thus the number of infections to a minimum. Nevertheless, she assured that although a complete lockdown is not off the table, there are currently no plans for such a measure, provided that people continue to show understanding and respect the existing restrictions.
In response to a question on testing, the Health Minister confirmed that a record of 750 tests were carried out yesterday in the Grand Duchy. Replying to another question, she added that it was still too early to provide details of recoveries (which require up to 14 days), although six people have shown signs of improvement recently.
Concerning the delivery of supplies, Paulette Lenert assured that donated masks were on their way and that hospital capacities remain adequate for the time being. She added that French cross-border workers in the health sector have been offered the possibility of staying in hotels in Luxembourg during the crisis. Such options are being coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism and those wishing to take up this offer can register via an online platform.
