Interior Minister Alain Berset says Switzerland is well prepared to face an outbreak of coronavirus and is ready to support international efforts to prevent a pandemic.
Speaking at the sidelines of the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Berset said there was a contingency plan that could be implemented in case of a pandemic of the respiratory illness discovered in China earlier this month.
Berset, whose portfolio includes health matters, said Switzerland was ready to help international efforts to contain the virus.
“Switzerland, which hosts the headquarters of the WHO [World Health Organization], is not indifferent to the situation,” Berset said.
He met the WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Wednesday, as well as the health ministers from Brazil and the Netherlands and the executive director of UN Women, the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting gender equality.
Pandemic concerns
Meanwhile, a panel of experts on disease control, virology and vaccine development are meeting at the WHO headquarters in Geneva to evaluate whether the outbreak of the new coronavirus constitutes an international emergency.
The virus has spread beyond China’s borders, raising concerns of a global pandemic. A first case of the illness was confirmed by United States officials on Tuesday.
The death toll in China from the infection had risen to at least 17 by Wednesday.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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
‘Zika’s weak point is the mosquito’
This content was published on
In past decades the world has worried about the Ebola virus, polio and swine fever. Now the latest “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” declared by the World Health Organisation is called Zika. WHO is concerned about the presumed link – strongly suspected, though there is still no scientific proof – between the virus and…
This content was published on
Teenagers worldwide - including the Swiss - are jeopardising their health by failing to get enough exercise, says a WHO-led study.
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.