Coronavirus: Status & Measures in Switzerland
In Switzerland, there are currently (03.03.2020) about 50 confirmed infections, including nine cases in the canton of Zurich. Due to the spread of the virus (in Italy with at least 52 deaths and currently 2036 infected, in France 200 infected), the federal government has decided to cover the costs of testing by health insurance companies.
In Switzerland, about 300 suspected Corona cases have been clarified (as of 24.02.2020). Update on 03.03.2020: there are now about 50 confirmed infections in Switzerland. In various countries, infections are increasing, in Italy the Coronavirus cases rapidly since the weekend (as of 24.02.2020).
The protection of the population has top priority for the Federal Council
This morning, the task force led by the FOPH, which has been active since the outbreak of the virus, met and decided on additional measures. Thus, the tests for persons with flu-like symptoms in Switzerland, strengthened the hotline in all national languages, and launched an information campaign for inbound travelers and commuters at borders and airports. A second information campaign on personal protection measures is aimed at the general population. In addition, public transport staff and border guards are to receive special instruction. To this end, the federal government is working closely with the health authorities of the cantons, in particular those of the canton of Ticino.
Measures for the protection of the population in planning
The measures are intended to prevent or delay a wave of the disease in Switzerland as far as possible. This afternoon on 24.02.2020 also meets the federal staff Civil Protection, to analyze the situation and discuss further possible measures. It coordinates operations at the federal level, including public health threats. It has already met several times since the outbreak of the epidemic in China.
The Federal Council closely follows the international situation and the preparations in Switzerland and obtains information on a regular basis. It also receives regular information from the European Early Warning System (EWRS) via the Federal Office of Public Health. Federal Councillor Alain Berset is also in contact with the European health ministers.
Update on 25.02.2020: First case in Switzerland
The new coronavirus 2019-nCoV was detected in a person from the canton of Ticino. The person is hospitalized and isolated. Her health condition is good. To strengthen cross-border cooperation, Federal Councillor Alain Berset attended a meeting of several health ministers in Rome on Feb. 25, 2020. The sick person was in Italy about 10 days ago. There she had attended a meeting near Milan. The analysis of the Reference Laboratory for Emerging Viral Diseases (NAVI) in Geneva has confirmed the suspicion that the person is ill with the new coronavirus. This is the first confirmed case in Switzerland.
Source: Federal Office of Public Health
Go to BAG Livestream on 25.02.2019
Update (as of 03/03/2020): Diagnostic test is now reimbursed by OKP
The diagnostic test of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will be reimbursed by the compulsory health insurance (OKP) in the future. Following a decision by the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA), the test will be included in the list of analyses subject to reimbursement. Due to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus, the FDHA has decided, on the recommendation of the Federal Commission for Analyses, Means and Articles, to include the diagnostic test for this disease on the list of analyses subject to reimbursement. It will be reimbursed by the compulsory health insurance at CHF 180 from March 4, 2020.
Further links and background information from the editors
Latest info on the coronavirus emergency from SAFETY-PLUS with real-time map
Radio 24 News: "46 Corona virus cases in Switzerland".
The Daily Mail from England reports online that the Corona Virus could have originated in a Chinese state laboratory, the Wuhan Center for Disease Control (WHCDC). Only about 280 m away from the fish market place, where the virus officially appeared:
© Daily Mail
Questions and answers about the new corona virus SARS CoV2 from AEH
The Light + Building - World's Leading Trade Fair for Lighting and Building Technology in Frankfurt am Main - has now been postponed to mid/end September 2020 due to the Corona virus.
"COVID-19" Situation analysis in the EU zone from the WHO
Corona exclusion zones - is the spring tour cancelled?
Stuttgarter Newspaper "Italian cities as a new Wuhan".
Nau: "Coronavirus: sixth victim in Italy".
PK with Alain Berset at the AZ livestream
ARD news "More than 160 Corona infections in Italy".
Pascal Pape "What questions are not asked"
News page of the "European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control"
