The Covid could well come to spoil the National Day

As in 2021, the national holiday could, according to Dr. Gérard Schockmel lead to an increase in contamination. The infectiologist gives us his advice for people at risk.

Pandemic in Luxembourg

Thomas Berthold

As in 2021, the national holiday could, according to Dr. Gérard Schockmel lead to an increase in contamination. The infectiologist gives us his advice for people at risk.

Luxembourg’s national day is making a comeback this year after being absent for two years due to health measures to combat Covid. The mood is therefore festive with the return of the torchlight procession, the concerts planned on the Champ du Glacis or the 17-minute fireworks display near the Adolphe Bridge.

If the National Day has been quiet in recent years because of the coronavirus, the 2022 program will be as busy as it was before the pandemic.

If it is again possible to celebrate the national day in several communities, the virus is still circulating. The country has even seen a rebound in the epidemic since early June, with new infections registering a 46% increase between June 6 and June 12 compared to the previous week, according to the weekly report from the health ministry.

Counseling for vulnerable people

When presenting the national holiday program, Patrick Goldschmidt (DP) pointed out that Health had not made any health requirements for the organization of the celebrations. “The event takes place outside and nobody is forced to come,” says the city councilor responsible for mobility in the capital.

The Council of Ministers this Wednesday approved the changes made to the Covid law. It is now valid until October 31st.

“Even if the party is outdoors, there is a risk of contagion if people are close together,” said Dr. Gerard Schockmel. The latter believes that this type of gathering “is more likely” to cause an increase in contamination, as was already the case last year “around the national holiday”. The Robert Schuman Hospitals doctor, who specializes in infectious diseases, recommends that people at risk “avoid large gatherings or, if possible, keep a certain distance and wear a mask so as not to take any risks”.

“We have to accept that the virus is circulating, but what is not acceptable is that it leads to serious forms. We have to keep an eye on the number of hospital admissions and be vigilant in this regard,” says Gérard Schockmel. The latter notes that the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron currently remains dominant in Luxembourg and that this strain is less dangerous and causes fewer complications than its cousin Delta.

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On the same subject

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