Abstract
We conducted an internet survey using Survey Monkey over six weeks to evaluate the impact of the government interventions on social contact patterns in Luxembourg. Participants were recruited via the science.lu website on March 25, April 2, April 16, May 1 during lockdown, and June 12 and June 25 after the lockdown to provide an estimate of their number of contacts within the previous 24 hours. During the lockdown, a total of 5,644 survey participants with a mean age of 44.2 years reported 18,118 contacts (mean = 3.2, IQR 1–4). The average number of contacts per day increased by 24% from 2.9 to 3.6 over the lockdown period. The average number of contacts decreased with age: 4.2 (IQR 2–5) for participants below 25 years and 1.7 (IQR 1–2) for participants above 64 years. Residents of Portuguese nationality reported a higher number of contacts (mean = 4.3, IQR 2–5) than Luxembourgish (mean = 3.5, IQR 2–4) or other foreign residents, respectively. After lockdown, 1,119 participants reported 7,974 contacts with 7.1 (IQR 3–9) contacts per day on average, of which 61.7% (4,917/7,974) occurred without a facemask (mean = 4.9, IQR 2–6). While the number of social contacts was substantially lower during the lockdown by more than 80% compared to the pre-pandemic period, we observed a more recent 121% increase during the post lockdown period showing an increased potential for COVID-19 spread. Monitoring social contacts is an important indicator to estimate the possible impact of government interventions on social contacts and the COVID-19 spread in the coming months.
Highlights
COVID-19 has become a global public health emergency affecting more than 200 countries and territories resulting in more than 10 million reported cases by June 30 and over 500,000 deaths [1]
The third phase was initiated on 25th of May reopening elementary schools with reduced class size, restaurants and cafes including mandatory face masks for staff and guests when not sitting at the table
The average number of contacts reported by Luxembourg residents in a study before the pandemic was 17.5 [4], suggesting that contacts during lockdown had decreased by 81.7%
Summary
COVID-19 has become a global public health emergency affecting more than 200 countries and territories resulting in more than 10 million reported cases by June 30 and over 500,000 deaths [1]. Five surgical masks were distributed to every resident on April 17–24 followed by the first easing of lockdown phase on April 20 with reopening of construction sites and recycling centres. Fifty additional surgical masks were distributed to every resident during the second easing of lockdown phase and gatherings of up to six people (plus household members) indoors and 20 people outdoors were authorised. The third phase was initiated on 25th of May reopening elementary schools with reduced class size, restaurants (maximum of 10 persons per table) and cafes (only table service) including mandatory face masks for staff and guests when not sitting at the table
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
