More variant Covid-19 carriers detected in Switzerland
Some 28 people in seven Swiss cantons have tested positive for mutated strains of the Covid-19 virus. This is not enough to recommend tightened measures against the pandemic, but experts are concerned that a minority of cases have had no contact with British people.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Detectan a más portadores de mutaciones de COVID-19 en Suiza
Members of the Swiss Covid-19 taskforce said on Tuesday that they are closely monitoring the situation with the help of universities. Cantons have also been stepping up their contact tracing efforts to keep abreast of the variant strain’s spread.
The general spread of the virus stabilised over the Christmas period, but its numbers are only falling gradually. On Tuesday some 4,020 new cases were reported from the previous 24 hours, with 98 deaths.
Swiss government ministers are due to give an update on partial lockdown measures on Wednesday, but the taskforce is not recommending the closure of schools at present. Variant Covid-19 strains were first detected in Switzerland last month, having arrived from Britain and South Africa.
The mutated form of the virus is not believed to be more deadly than previous strains but is more prone to spread among people. “Since the rate of virus activity is still far too high in Switzerland, we must try to delay the spread of these mutants until broad vaccination is possible,” said Rudolf Hauri, president of the Association of Cantonal Doctors.
Some 233,000 doses of the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine have already been delivered to Switzerland, a number that is expected to rise to 500,000 doses by the end of this month and a million in February. Some cantons began vaccinating last month, with a nationwide programme starting this week.
Hauri called for patience as the vaccines require specialised storage, handling and injection method. The plan is to vaccinate everyone in Switzerland who wants to have the jab by early summer.
Covid-19 vaccine: Why we still have a long wait ahead
This content was published on
Countries have started rolling out a Covid-19 vaccine, but it will likely take years to manufacture doses at the scale needed to reach the masses.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
‘We were too lax’ admits Swiss interior minister on Covid-19
This content was published on
In an interview with Swiss public television, SRF, Interior Minister Alain Berset has acknowledged that Switzerland made mistakes.
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.