Useful informationHow coronavirus is affecting work, school and daily life in Luxembourg

Following Thursday's press conference a number of new measures have been put in place to slow down the spread of coronavirus across the country.

HYGIENE

Simple habits, which should already be applied all year round, must be observed to protect against the virus and avoid any contamination:

• wash your hands several times a day or, if necessary, use hand sanitiser while out and about.
• use disposable tissues to cover any coughs or sneezes.
• disinfect your phone on a regular basis  

Other habits to observe to avoid picking up the virus:

• avoid handshakes or hugs.
• if possible, keep a one metre distance away from other people.

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The government has also advised against visiting elderly relatives and care homes as a security measure.

The use of masks is also not advised as there is no guarantee it will protect the wearer from contracting the virus. Health professionals, however, are encouraged to wear them as usual due to the high number of interactions with the sick.

CORONAVIRUS AND WORK

Currently employees cannot refuse to attend their workplace due to fear of catching the virus. However, the government has encouraged those who are able to work from home to do so. Employers are not obliged to grant a work from home request, but it is becoming more and more commonplace.

In the event that an employee tests positively for coronavirus, the employee will be subjected to quarantine and will receive a medical certificate as normal. The certificate will protect the employee from unfair dismissal and entitles them to sickness compensation.

Cross-border workers who test positively for the virus must inform the health authority of their country of residence, as well as the authorities in Luxembourg.

Regarding cross-border workers, working remotely can have fiscal and social consequences due to bilateral agreements between Luxembourg and neighbouring countries. The government has announced that it is in talks with neighbouring leaders to facilitate the use of remote working while limiting the consequences for workers.

FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS

Although children are less susceptible to Covid-19, schools are closing to reduce the spread of potential infection. More information here and here.

Schools and creches will reopen on Monday 30 March after two weeks' closure. 
The government has clarified that parents or guardians can benefit from leave for family reasons, the duration of which will vary as follows:

• 12 days off per child if the child is 0 to 4 years old
• 18 days off per child if the child is 4 to 13 years old. 
• 5 days off per child if the child is 13 to 18 years old, or hospitalised.

Pupils will continue to follow a lesson plan for the two weeks and will benefit from e-learning resources and communication with educators throughout.