Call for caution ahead of latest Covid-19 reopenings
Martin Ackermann, president of the government’s scientific Covid task force, has warned of a “significant risk” ahead of the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions in Switzerland on Monday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Sunday press/SWi swissinfo.ch/ilj
Português
pt
Governo pede cautela para reaberturas nesta segunda-feira
He was referring to the fact that from April 19, restaurant terraces, fitness centres and cinemas will be able to open to the public. Easing of restrictions automatically leads to more mobility and contact between people, Ackermann told the SonntagsZeitungExternal link.
More
More
Restaurants to re-open despite high Covid infection rate
This content was published on
The Swiss government is to allow outdoor tables in restaurants and bars again as of next Monday following a four-month temporary closure.
“This leads to the virus spreading further and for it being more difficult to break chains of infection,” he said.
Important is that people did not forget to be careful, he said, adding that the effects of the reopening measures should be clear in around three weeks.
Ackermann is not against easing as such, just that it is done carefully. He told the newspaper that he was in favour of strategies that allowed those with vaccinations or negative tests more freedoms, for example as part of a protection concept for events.
The scientific task force has been in the news of later after several high-profile members left, including, most recently neuroscientist Dominique de Quervain, who criticised the “political corset” that stopped the scientists in the task force from expressing themselves fully.
More easing ahead?
Ackermann’s comments about the risks of reopening come amid reports that Health Minister Alain Berset is considering allowing large events with up to 1,000 people from July.
According to the SonntagsBlickExternal link, a concept has been drawn up and will be put before the government on Wednesday. The cantons will also be consulted later on. A second step would see up to 5,000 people being allowed to attend events from September, the newspaper says. But all this depends on how the pandemic pans out, adds SonntagsBlick.
The cantons would certainly like to see more easing of Covid-19 pandemic measures, as the president of the Conference of Cantonal Governments Christian Rathgeb told the SonntagsZeitungExternal link. Key is that more people are vaccinated against the virus quickly and that there is more testing, he said. “Then further easing in single steps is certainly doable soon,” Rathgeb said.
Justice minister warns over Swiss parliament protest against climate ruling
This content was published on
Justice Minister Beat Jans says a possible declaration by the Swiss parliament against the European Court of Human Right (ECHR’s) recent landmark climate ruling against Switzerland could be problematic.
This content was published on
Talks aimed at reaching a global agreement on how to better fight pandemics will be concluded by 2025 or earlier if possible, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.
This content was published on
Switzerland supports a new peace proposal pushed by US President Joe Biden for a hostage agreement and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Parts of Switzerland and Germany waterlogged as heavy rains continue
This content was published on
Heavy rains continue to affect eastern Switzerland and the centre of the country. Flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure have been reported. Further rains are forecast on Sunday.
Study: high pollen concentrations increase blood pressure
This content was published on
A high concentration of pollen can increase blood pressure in allergy sufferers, according to a Swiss study. The effect is much more pronounced in women and people who are overweight.
New asylum regulations come into effect in Switzerland
This content was published on
Several asylum-related changes come into effect in Switzerland on June 1 aimed at improving the employment and housing situations of refugees.
Swiss unions call for CHF5,000 monthly salary for qualified apprentices
This content was published on
All workers who have completed an apprenticeship should earn at least CHF5,000 per month, the Swiss Trade Union Federation said on Friday.
Flooding risks in parts of Switzerland and Germany after heavy rains
This content was published on
There is a significant risk of flooding on the River Rhine from Lake Constance to Basel and on the Thur River in canton Thurgau in eastern Switzerland.
Switzerland to intensify border checks during sporting events
This content was published on
In the context of events including the European Football Championships and the summer Olympics, border security will be increased.
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
‘Brave but risky’: Swiss papers react to Covid-19 easing plan
This content was published on
The Swiss media have reacted with surprise, relief and concern following yesterday’s government decision to further relax Covid restrictions.
Swiss students can go back to university – partially
This content was published on
Face to face teaching, on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, will soon be possible at universities. But there will be restrictions.
Large turnout for Schaffhausen anti-Covid measures demo
This content was published on
Almost 1,000 people have gathered in the northern Swiss town of Schaffhausen to protest against government Covid-19 measures.
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.