Over the 7 days to 13 November 2020, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reported 553 deaths among laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases, bringing the death toll to 1,229 since summer and 2,960 since the beginning of the year.
The 553 reported deaths this week represent 19% of the total so far, making the last 7 days the deadliest 7-day period since the virus arrived in Switzerland.
There are currently 3,961 Covid-19 patients in hospitals across Switzerland, according to FOPH figures published by RTS, a number significantly above the peak during the first wave.
Switzerland is currently using 77% of its current intensive care capacity (1,142 places), according to SRF. The number of Covid patients in intensive care has reached 512, a number close the previous high point of 558 reached on 28 March 2020.
At the same time, progress has been made on slowing the spread of the virus. Over the last 7 days, FOPH reported 45,222 new confirmed infections, a figure 22% lower than the 57,660 new infections reported the week before.
On 13 November 2020, Switzerland’s 14-day infection rate was 1,094 per 100,000 down from 1,192 a week earlier.
Cantons with the highest 14-day infection rates per 100,000 were Geneva (2,416), Fribourg (2,366), Vaud (1,940), Valais (1,910), Neuchâtel (1,925), Jura (1,613), Ticino (1,203), St. Gallen (968), Appenzell Innerrhoden (861) and Bern (773). Zurich had 732 – all data from FOPH.
Total Covid-19 deaths in Switzerland since the beginning of the pandemic have now reached 3,235, of which 2,960 were laboratory confirmed infections.
More on this:
FOPH update (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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ZM says
I recommend to investigate canton Geneva policy regarding middle schools and high schools (ages 12-18) including in the international schools where if a student was in contact with a Covid-19 positive- tested friend, the school is instructed by the canton NOT to communicate to the sick student’ FRIENDS that they have been in contact with a Covid-19 positive child. This policy puts the friends and their families in grave danger to be infected themselves without knowing that they are at risk. Many students are sick in each school and yet and no information is given to their friends and no instructions are given re: their quarantine. Is the canton discretely promoting a “herd immunity” policy ? What about liability questions as this is done without telling the parents while risking their health and life? What about liability questions of friends of the sick student in school who belong to a risk group but are not informed by the school that their friend was tested positive? This is very worrying!