Switzerland pandemic plan updated
The federal government has updated the national pandemic plan, taking into account the experience and findings from the Covid-19 pandemic. This planning tool has been available to all interested parties in digital form since the beginning of the month. The pandemic plan is used by the federal government, cantons and municipalities to prepare for and manage pandemics.
The pandemic plan, which was last revised in 2018, focused on influenza. The federal government has now completely revised the plan, taking into account the experience and findings from the Covid-19 pandemic. The new plan is comprehensive and serves to prepare for future threats, not just influenza. It now also covers topics such as dealing with the social and economic consequences of a pandemic. In addition, a digital platform has been created to provide quick and easy access for all stakeholders. The new platform also allows for regular updates.
The new pandemic plan describes specific activities in the areas of surveillance, infection control, healthcare and vaccination. Cross-cutting topics such as communication, security of supply, finances and personnel summarize further aspects that need to be considered when preparing for a pandemic. In addition, checklists, action plans and recommendations for action provide practical, operational assistance that the federal government, cantons and municipalities can use to prepare for or manage a pandemic.
The pandemic plan also describes the division of tasks between the different levels of government. The federal government is responsible for drawing up strategic objectives for the whole of Switzerland, while the cantons are responsible for implementation. The federal government supports them in coordinating and standardizing the measures.
Planning instrument for the Confederation, cantons and municipalities
The national pandemic plan was jointly revised by the federal government and the Federal Commission for Pandemic Preparedness (FCP) and now serves as the basis for drawing up pandemic, emergency and contingency plans at cantonal, regional and local level.
Experts from the Federal Office of Public Health, an advisory group of the Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Public Health (GDK) and other external stakeholders were involved in the revision. Federal agencies, cantons, associations and interest groups were able to comment on a working version of the revised pandemic plan in mid-2024. Their feedback was incorporated into the revision of the pandemic plan.
The strategies and measures contained in the pandemic plan are not legally binding; they do not give rise to any rights or obligations for third parties. This makes it all the more important that all stakeholders involved work together to ensure coordination in the event of a pandemic. The pandemic plan is based on the currently valid legal foundations, essentially on the current Epidemics Act.
Source: bag.admin.ch
