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Edition Thionville – Hayange | Cross-border workers: massive screening to avoid the second wave

The deconfinement in Luxembourg was placed in the hands of the Task Force Covid-19, made up of all the institutions active in medical research in the Grand Duchy. An unprecedented synergy that mobilizes all the forces at the service of the country and the population. Thus, the scientific entity working on different scenarios has opted for large-scale screening so as “to isolate the positive cases and thus break the chains of contamination to prevent the virus from reinstalling”, explains Professor Paul Wilmes, Deputy spokesperson for the Task Force. Since June 3, 17 drive-in screening stations have been open to residents and cross-border residents, as well as two pedestrian and bicycle access stations and one with pedestrian access only, i.e. twenty in total, strategically distributed throughout the territory.

The result within 48 hours

“Luxembourg cannot function without cross-border workers. However, it so happens that we are surrounded by regions that have been strongly impacted by the virus. It was inconceivable not to test everyone, ”points out Professor Wilmes.

In the case of a positive result, a tracing of the contacts is carried out to isolate the potentially contaminated people. Photo RL / Philippe NEU

1.7 million tests will be carried out until the end of July when convened. Indeed, each border worker can go to the station of their choice to do the oral test, which will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. 48 hours later, he will receive the result by text. “If the result is positive, the laboratory will inform the Ministry of Health so that people who have been in contact with the virus carrier can be traced,” said Paul Wilmes. Staff from high-risk areas such as caregivers will be tested every two weeks.

Frisange: 1,000 to 1,200 tests per day

At the P + R (park and ride) of Frisange, on the border between France and Luxembourg, the Covid-19 screening station which operates as a drive-in has doubled its capacity to be able to cope with peak traffic and thus reduce wait times. “98% of people who make an appointment come to the station. This clearly shows that this screening campaign has resonance among the population in terms of security and solidarity. “We are at 340 tests per day. We hope to go up to 1000-1200 daily, “said a member of the medical team on site. The test itself is just a formality that lasts only a few minutes.

“80% of carriers of the virus are asymptomatic, hence the need for massive screening. “

Professor Paul Wilmes, Deputy Spokesperson for the Task Force covid-19 in Luxembourg

Closure of advanced care centers

As of Monday, June 8, the advanced care centers set up in emergency at the end of March at LuxExpo and the Rockhal to deal with the coronavirus epidemic will definitively close their doors.


A total of 9,108 people were received there, 17,592 tests were carried out there, 423 medical visits and 181 transfers to hospital emergency services were organized there.


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