Government to pay for Covid tests to contain pandemic
As many people as possible should take Covid test even if they only show light symptoms of an infection, says the Swiss government.
Keystone/Laurent Gillieron
The Swiss government has agreed to foot the bill for medical tests for coronavirus infections to encourage the population to participate in prevention efforts.
Interior Minister Alain Berset said the government would take over the costs for an average of 8,000 tests daily for a total of about CHF290 million ($307 million) this year.
“Cost must not be hurdle for anybody,” he told a news conference on Wednesday.
Berset stressed the importance of testing as part of the policy to respect hygiene rules, including keeping a 1.5-metere distance from other people and tracking of cases of infections.
He added that it is key to seek a test even in cases of light symptoms.
It is currently possible to test about 15,000 people daily or even more, if necessary, both to find out if somebody has the been infected or not, but also for virus anti-bodies, according to Stefan Kuster of the Federal Health Office.
The tests cost CHF169 and CHF113 respectively.
More
More
Swiss health official warns Covid-19 outbreaks inevitable
This content was published on
Switzerland risks new outbreaks of coronavirus cases similar to those in neighboring Germany, a senior health official has warned.
The government decision takes effect on Thursday and is aimed at ending a dispute between the cantonal authorities and the health insurance companies.
SwissCovid app
Berset also announced that a tracing programme will be available to the public across Switzerland as of Thursday.
He called for a widespread use of a smartphone application, known as SwissCovid, to complement the conventional tracking of infections by the cantonal authorities.
“It is key that a maximum of people download the app but its use remains voluntary,” Berset explained.
Parliament earlier this month agreed the legal basis for the use of the app amid concerns about data protection. It follows a technical trial phase of several weeks.
The app uses Bluetooth waves to allow smartphones to communicate with each other anonymously, allowing app stores users to be notified if they came into contact with infected people.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
This content was published on
The earth shook near Mürren in the Bernese Oberland on Monday afternoon with a magnitude of around 4.2 on the Richter scale.
Public transport in Geneva faces calls for overhaul
This content was published on
Public transport services in Greater Geneva must better meet needs. The associations Transports et environnement (ATE) and Rail Dauphiné Savoie Léman (ARDSL) have drawn up a review of the situation, calling in particular for the Leman Express timetable to be extended.
Swiss politician who shot at baby Jesus risks fine
This content was published on
The Zurich public prosecutor's office has brought charges against Zurich city parliamentarian Sanija Ameti for disturbing religious freedom. Ameti had shot at a picture of Jesus and Mary with an air pistol.
This content was published on
The French-Swiss artist Saype has created a new giant painting on the summit of the Grand Chamossaire above Villars-sur-Ollon VD. The 2500 square metre work depicts a boy with a rucksack on his shoulders.
This content was published on
According to "Schweizer Illustrierte", Swiss actor Carlos Leal is returning to Switzerland - after 15 years in Los Angeles. "It's become loud there, megalomaniacal and arrogant," he said in the online edition of the magazine.
This content was published on
A coin collector has filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland against Swissmint, the federal mint, for fraud in connection with the sale of the limited-edition 100-franc gold Vreneli.
Museum to open devoted to Swiss ski legend Vreni Schneider
This content was published on
Vreni Schneider is to have a museum in the centre of her home village of Elm. The legendary Swiss ski racer has numerous memorabilia at home, which she is now releasing and exhibiting.
This content was published on
A shooting range in Wittenbach, northeastern Switzerland, was broken into on Sunday night. The unknown perpetrators stole several antique weapons.
Euro 2025: most of crowd at Germany-France match were women
This content was published on
For the first time, the majority of the crowd at a football match in Basel's St. Jakob-Park – Saturday's European Championship quarterfinal – was female.
Pilots’ union seeks to end deal with SWISS over working conditions
This content was published on
The Aeropers pilots’ union is expected to end its collective labour agreement with SWISS, as it pushes for better working conditions for its members.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss support wanes for masks and Covid tracing app
This content was published on
The Swiss remain sceptical about the use of face masks and a tracing device to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, a survey has found.
This content was published on
Contact tracing apps are being touted as crucial aids to control the spread of Covid-19. But critics warn of data privacy concerns.
Swiss focus on vaccine and diagnostics in global fight against Covid-19
This content was published on
The government has approved CHF175 million in funds to help secure universal access to diagnostic and therapeutic products and boost humanitarian aid.
What is considered enough when it comes to coronavirus testing?
This content was published on
In this second collection of answers to readers’ questions, we explore who can get tested, and whether an optimal testing rate exists.
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.