Coronavirus: Swiss president says end of lockdown requires protective measures
Switzerland’s president says the easing of isolation measures implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus must be accompanied by an elaborate protection plan.
As a prerequisite, there must be no further increase in cases, Simonetta Sommaruga told the German-language weekly SonntagsBlick in an interview published on Sunday. She cautioned it is too early to know whether the peak of coronavirus infections has been reached.
Protective measures could include the use of masks and testing, although at what scale is in question. Sommaruga, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency 2020, categorically rejects the notion of completely isolating at risks groups, an idea floated by some experts for economic reasons.
At higher risk of contracting COVID-19, are those over the age of 65 and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure. “We are talking about a very large number of people here,” Sommaruga said. “It is not possible to completely cut these groups off from the outside world.”
She maintains the government response to the global health crisis was neither too rushed nor unduly cautious. On the economic front, the government has guaranteed historically high sums to ensure that wages can continue to be paid and that liquidity is available.
Over the past few days, Switzerland has recorded between 500 and 700 news cases daily, adding up to more than 25,000 cases across the country. The coronavirus death toll has topped 1,000, making the Alpine nation one of the countries most affected by the pandemic to date.
The government is expected to announce next Thursday how it plans to ease restrictions introduced to counter the spread of the virus that originated in China and spread across the globe. Some European nations have already begun easing restrictions introduced to curb the pandemic.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
This content was published on
The Swiss federal technology institute ETH Zurich is the best university in continental Europe, according to the Times Higher Education ranking.
NGO accuses tobacco industry and Switzerland of human rights violations
This content was published on
The anti-smoking NGO OxySuisse has accused tobacco companies of violating human rights and the Swiss authorities of being complacent.
Swiss national injured in attack on Beirut building
This content was published on
A Swiss national was slightly injured following an attack on a building in Beirut, Swiss media agency Keystone-ATS learned on Tuesday.
Kate Winslet receives Golden Icon award at Zurich Film Festival
This content was published on
British actress Kate Winslet took a dip in Lake Zurich before receiving the Golden Icon Award for lifetime achievement at the Zurich Film Festival.
Swiss President remembers victims of October 7 attack
This content was published on
One year after the attack on Israel by Hamas, Swiss President Viola Amherd remembered the victims and called for the release of all hostages.
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.