The Chamber of Deputies assembled for the 13th time to discuss coronavirus measures. The main conclusion is an extension of the legislation until mid-March, including minor amendments such as data protection and sports. The reason for this are the mutations which have been posing a considerable threat in the fight against the virus.
Mars di Bartolomeo, the LSAP MP, underlined the risk and severity of the viral mutations. Health Minister Paulette Lenert further raised concerns about the lack of information on those mutations, stating that much data remains unknown. Although the situation seems disheartening, she reiterated it was important to remain vigilant and not give up.
The health minister continued by explaining that the third wave is the most dangerous one, as everyone is exhausted and no longer is willing to adhere to the rules. She pointed towards the fact that fewer people are taking quarantines seriously, hence the need for tighter control via mandatory testing on the sixth day of quarantine.
When comparing the rates with those abroad, the saturation of hospitals and positivity rates are good indicators to evaluate the state in which the Grand Duchy currently finds itself.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel addressed the rumours and criticism that Luxembourg apparently is hoarding vaccinations. From the 52,600 doses that were delivered, 22,700 people have received their first dose. He pointed towards the fact that the vaccination strategy is splitting the delivered doses into two so that a guaranteed second dose can be given, therefore 26,300 can receive a vaccine with the current stock. 7,400 people have had the second dose, which means that there are enough vaccines for another 3,600 people.
And should there be a vaccine that is efficient enough with one dose only, then the government would follow this advice. Rapid testing should also become a part of our daily life in the future.
A further topic of discussion were the schools. Minister of Education Claude Meisch insisted that classes should be held in person as long as possible, though he admitted that stricter measures need to be taken on a national level.
Although opposition such as the CSV party agree with the principle that the guard should not be lowered yet, there were many points of disagreement.
CSV MP Claude Wiseler said that measures are nowhere near strict enough, especially in schools. If one knew more about the mutations, one would be in a better position to take decisions. The vaccination strategy is too slow and incomprehensible for many, due to the inefficient communication, he stated.
Apart from the CSV, MPs from the ADR, the Pirate Party and the Déi Lénk voted against the legislation. The reasoning behind this decision was based off the lack of scientific knowledge, disproportionate freedom of the population, as well as an incoherent communication between the state and the people.
