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.
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A majority of Swiss citizens have open attitudes towards various infertility treatments, including even egg donation, which is currently prohibited.
Reports of Swiss cyber fraud almost doubled in six months
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The head of the new Federal Office for Cybersecurity (FOC), Florian Schütz, has presented a new strategy after just over four months in office.
Ecological status of Swiss streams insufficient according to study
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Pesticide use and obstructions of waterways have a particularly negative impact on sensitive organisms, completely absent in 70% of streams analysed.
Train line between Brig and Domodossola interrupted
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One day after a derailment approximately 15 kilometres from the Swiss border, BLS is running buses for passengers between Preglia and Domodossola, in Italy.
Swiss football boss wants crackdown on individual hooligans
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The head of the Swiss Football League says he prefers a harsher approach to individual hooligans rather than collective punishment measures affecting all fans.
Amherd: Council of Europe is ‘as urgently needed as ever’
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The Swiss government emphasised on Sunday the vital role of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe, 75 years after it was founded.
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.
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