Luxembourg PM Xavier Bettel in ‘serious but stable condition’ after being hospitalised with Covid-19
Luxembourg has recorded close to 71,000 cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic started
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel is in a “serious but stable” condition after being hospitalised with Covid-19 on Sunday, the government said.
Mr Bettel was diagnosed with insufficient oxygen saturation, forcing him to remain under medical observation since the weekend. He was also suffering from other coronavirus symptoms including coughing, headaches and a fever.“
“The medical state of the prime minister is considered serious but stable,” the government said, adding that he will stay in hospital for up to four more days.
In a statement it added that the running of state affairs will be taken over by Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna in the meantime, even if Mr Bettel still coordinates some work remotely.
The prime minister has so far only received his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Mr Bettel, 48, had recently participated in a two-day European Union summit in Brussels on 24-25 June which included French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and other leaders from across Europe. On 27 June, the prime minister tested positive.
As yet there have been no reports of any other European leader testing positive for Covid-19 or being hospitalised after the summit last month.
The land-locked European country has a population of about 630,000 people. According to the World Health Organisation, Luxembourg has recorded 70,895 confirmed cases of Covid-19 including 818 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
The country had administered at least 577, 290 doses of the coronavirus vaccine according to the Covidvax.live website .
Luxembourg’s vaccination strategy also provides for offering vaccination to cross-border workers and Luxembourg nationals residing in other countries who do not have access to vaccination in their country of residence.
Ursula von der Leyen, who is the President of the European Commission, tweeted: “Dear [Xavier Bettel], I wish you a very speedy recovery and hope to see you soon in good health. In the meantime, rest and take good care of yourself.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments