Government resists pressure to extend free Covid testing
The government is sticking to its decision to end free Covid testing for asymptomatic people as of October 11. The money “saved” will go into a new push to boost vaccination rates, it said on Friday.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
Español
es
Gobierno suizo somete a consulta “ofensiva de vacunación”
The decision comes after weeks of pressure from political parties, parliamentary committees, and various organisations, who wanted to keep testing free beyond Monday after next.
The government, however, after consulting cantons and social partners, would not be budged: the “very high costs” (CHF50 million ($54 million) per week) of providing free antigen testing would no longer be born collectively, it wrote on FridayExternal link.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Exceptions will be children under the age of 16, and – until the end of November – those who have only received the first of the two vaccination doses and who are thus ineligible for a Covid certificate.
Despite the positive trend of lower case numbers, the approach of winter and the low vaccination rate meant it was too soon to ease up on Covid measures, Health Minister Alain Berset said at a press conference on Friday.
Corona “vouchers”
The minister also announced a new offensive to boost Switzerland’s comparatively low vaccination rate of 57% – “one of the worst in Europe”, said Berset, who cited countries such as Portugal, Denmark and Ireland as positive examples.
The CHF150 million plan wants to convince people who are undecided, notably through a nationwide “vaccination week” to share information about the safety and benefits of the jabs.
In addition, 170 new “vaccination buses” will travel across the country in the coming weeks, and 1,700 advisors will speak by telephone, online, or in person to those with concerns about the jab.
On Friday, the government also said that as of October 11 a central electronic application office will process Covid certificate applications by anyone who has been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This means that “the cantons will not have to set up their own platforms” and it should mean a clearer procedure for tourists who arrive to Switzerland and want to get into, say, restaurants and museums.
In addition, “the transition period for accepting other vaccination certificates, which was to end by October 10, will be extended to October 24”. More information can be found here.External link
Lastly, the government wants the public to get involved: anybody who manages to convince a friend, neighbour or family member to go ahead with the vaccination will be eligible for a voucher of CHF50.
Berset maintained that getting vaccinated remained “a free choice” but that it was “our only chance to get out of this pandemic”.
The government estimated that 90-95% of over-65-year-olds and 80% of 18- to 65-year-olds would need to be vaccinated before all restrictions could be lifted. Currently the rates are 88.5% and 71%, respectively.
The plan will be discussed by cantonal authorities during a consultation period before being decided on October 13.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
This content was published on
The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
This content was published on
Swiss citizens will vote on occupational pension schemes and a biodiversity initiative on September 22, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
Ukraine peace talks: 50 countries have confirmed participation
This content was published on
To date, 50 countries out 160 invited delegations have confirmed they will attend the Ukraine peace conference, held in central Switzerland in mid-June, according to Swiss public radio, RTS.
Federer-backed On boosts forecast after sneaker demand rises
This content was published on
Swiss footwear company On Holding AG posted strong first-quarter revenue, boosted by demand for its running shoes and new line of training apparel.
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch CHF4 million at Swiss auction
This content was published on
Watches belonging to Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher sold for around CHF4 million ($4.41 million) at auction house Christie's in Geneva on Tuesday.
Macron will attend Swiss summit on Ukraine, says Zelensky
This content was published on
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.