Covid variant from South Africa discovered in Switzerland
Two samples of the coronavirus mutation from Africa have now also been found in Switzerland. One person who tested positive is staying in the canton of Schwyz.
A new variant of the coronavirus has been discovered independently in the United Kingdom and South Africa in recent days, the Federal Office of Public Health reports. By sequencing 500 people who tested positive, ETH Zurich was also able to identify the variant from South Africa as part of its research work. Meanwhile, one of the two people in the canton of Schwyz who tested positive is in quarantine. The second person is currently in France. The FOPH is already in contact with the authorities.
In the communication, the FOPH points out that all persons entering Switzerland from Great Britain or South Africa since December 14 must go into quarantine for ten days. This rule also applies to persons residing in Switzerland who return to the two countries after the festive season.
Since Dec. 24, three samples of the mutation from England have been identified in Switzerland for the first time. After the two reported cases from Zurich and Graubünden, another case of the mutation has now been added in Liechtenstein. The affected person is in isolation.
Source: BAG
