On 22 November 2021, the Swiss Federal Office of Health (FOPH) reported 14,590 new cases of Covid-19 over the weekend, a daily average of 4,863.
The number of reported daily cases continues to rise. The 7-day average last Friday was 4,322. Over the weekend, 14,590 cases were reported, a daily average of 4,863. In addition, 156 were reported hospitalised with Covid-19 and a further 18 deaths were reported over the weekend.
PCR test positivity has risen sharply to nearly 30%, around 3 times the level one month ago. The positivity rate is the percentage of those tested who are infected and not the percentage of the population infected. However, higher positivity suggests a higher rate of infection among the population.
According Lukas Engelberger, head of the association of cantonal health directors, Switzerland’s cantons are discussing the possibility of new restrictions to slow the spread of the virus in the face of a new wave, reported RTS. Some cantons, such as Graubunden, Basel and Nidwlden have already acted. Cantons in French-speaking Switzerland plan to discuss the situation at their weekly meetings.
Basel has already increased Covid certificate and mask requirements in a number settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. These new requirements start on 24 November 2021 and run until 31 January 2022. Graubünden has made masks compulsory in schools from the 3rd grade in certain regions and increased school testing to twice a week. The canton aims to reduce the spread of the virus to households from school children, who have high infection rates.
Less than one week from a referendum aimed at overturning the most recent set of Covid rules introduced by Switzerland’s federal government, no new measures are expected to be announced by the Federal Council, which has said it will not make any recommendations until the end of November 2021.
More on this:
RTS article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
