Coronavirus: More protective measures & fight against effects
In view of the further spread of the coronavirus, the Federal Council adapted the strategy at its meeting on March 6 and focused on the protection of persons particularly at risk. To this end, the Federal Office of Public Health has issued recommendations for the workplace, which the Confederation will implement as an employer. The Federal Council has also addressed the economic impact of the epidemic and is considering measures to mitigate it.
The number of people who have become familiar with the Coronavirus The number of people infected with the virus continues to rise worldwide, as does the number of deaths. The number of infections is also rising in Switzerland, and one person has died as a result of the viral disease. The number of cases is likely to continue to rise.
Further development of the strategy
The main objective in the fight against Spread of the coronavirus has been to detect and treat infected persons at an early stage, to identify chains of transmission and to prevent further transmissions. Because mass events can lead to many infections that cannot be traced back later, the Federal Council issued a ban on events with more than 1,000 people on February 28 until March 15. The Federal Council will decide whether to extend the ban at its March 13 meeting. If the ban is extended, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in consultation with the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA), will examine accompanying measures to cushion the economic consequences by March 20.
The tracing of the Infections will be continued for as long as possible. At the same time, the Federal Council is continuing to develop the strategy for combating the epidemic. New recommendations for the working world and the population are intended to prevent or slow down a major spread. The focus is on protecting the health of people who are particularly at risk. The aim is to prevent serious cases of illness and death, as well as overloading of healthcare facilities.
Particularly at risk are persons 65 years of age and older and those with certain underlying conditions, especially chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, diabetes, weakened Immune system, cardiovascular disease and cancer. These individuals are at increased risk of severe disease. In contrast, the rate of severe cases is low in healthy individuals under 60 years of age.
Economic impact
The Federal Council is aware that the coronavirus and the measures against it have an impact on the world of work as well as on public life in Switzerland. The Federal Council is examining a possible compensation of possible hardship cases. The EAER is holding discussions at various levels with representatives of the cantons, the business community and the social partners. SECO takes charge of steering issues relating to economic matters and coordinates the various contacts.
More info:
COVID-19: Information and recommendations for the working world
