Switzerland has “bet on the right horses” with the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/Biontech, which are also effective against new variants, according to Steve Pascolo, an immunologist at Zurich University Hospital.
“If 50% of the population receive two doses of vaccine, Switzerland can expect a summer like in Israel,” he told SonntagsBlick newspaper.
Israel has vaccinated over three-quarters of its adult population in just over three months. Infection rates have plummeted, allowing the country to reopen its economy. Israelis are happily resuming routines that were disrupted over 12 months ago.
Sair Reddy, a researcher at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich, agrees with Pascolo: “This is a realistic prognosis. The mRNA vaccines are clearly more effective against mutations. It will be a very good summer.”
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Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
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An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
The Swiss vaccination campaign is accelerating nationwide (around 51,000 jabs a day), despite hiccups and delays with deliveries. Some 2.6 million Covid-19 doses were administered between late December and April 28, by which time almost 11% of the population had been fully vaccinated.
The Swiss government has ordered nearly 36 million vaccine doses from five companies. Health regulator Swissmedic has given the green light to three Covid-19 vaccines: from Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. But only the first two are being administered.
As part of initial easing, restaurants and bars have resumed outdoor services while theatres, cinemas and concert halls can re-open under strict safety conditions.
On April 21, the government outlined a detailed plan for a phase-out from the Covid restrictions. The gradual lifting of the curbs is linked to the response to an anti-Covid vaccination programme.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
Lonza to double production of Covid-19 vaccine at Swiss plant
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The Swiss firm will add three more production lines to its plant as part of a larger effort to boost Moderna’s global supply of vaccine doses.
Covid-19: Government prepares to greenlight mass events
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The Swiss government wants to allow sports and culture events with up to 3,000 spectators from July if the epidemiological situation remains stable.
Plans outlined for gradual phase-out of anti-Covid restrictions
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The government has presented a detailed timetable for relaxing Covid restrictions in Switzerland over the next few months.
‘Brave but risky’: Swiss papers react to Covid-19 easing plan
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The Swiss media have reacted with surprise, relief and concern following yesterday’s government decision to further relax Covid restrictions.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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