The virus is yet to loosen its stranglehold on our daily lives but there is light on the horizon as the social distancing measures seem to start bearing fruit, according to the cautiously optimistic minister.
Another 108 people have tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 3,223. The death toll has jumped from 52 to 54. 412 coronavirus patients have now been discharged from hospital since the start of the pandemic.
Extensive testing remains a key tool as it allows the government to devise future strategies, including the preliminary exit plan that will be presented later this month. The Grand Duchy carries out around six times as many tests per capita than France, Belgium, or the Netherlands.
The minister explained that Luxembourg's hospitals are currently treating very few non-Covid-19 patients. The ongoing crisis should under no circumstances keep individuals in need of medical attention from getting in touch with a doctor, Lenert stressed. Luxembourg's hospitals are well-equipped to treat all patients, not just individuals suffering from coronavirus.
Face masks remain a topic of debate in Luxembourg more generally. Lenert explained that the government was adhering to the WHO's recommendation, which has recently shifted towards recommending so-called "alternative" (non-medical) face masks worn by the general population. Lenert added that the distribution of face masks would increase once it is certain that there will be no shortages for medical staff and other individuals who urgently require them.
Luxembourg will not take in additional patients from France's Grand Est region this week. The country's main goal is to shield its hospitals from collapse.
The median age of the deceased lies at 87. The average age is 84, Lenert explained.
Lenert argued that it is crucially important for the public to continue to observe the social distancing measures - despite the sunny Easter weekend approaching. Luxembourg may have averted the worst-case scenario due to these strict measures. "We still need patience; the crisis is not over yet," the minister said.
