This week, 15,024 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, down 22% from the 19,237 recorded the week before. This week there were 31 recorded Covid-19 deaths compared to 44 the week before. The number hospitalised also fell from 327 to 238, a drop of 27%. However, delays in reporting mean recent hospitalisation data could be revised upwards. Last […]
Entry into Switzerland more difficult from 20 September
On 17 September 2021, the Federal Council announced new testing and administrative requirements for entering Switzerland. The move comes at a time of concern over the impact of approaching cold weather and autumn holidays on the spread of the virus. Last year, the number of Covid-19 patients in Swiss hospitals rose sharply in October. At […]
Three-day art exhibition in Lausanne a must-see
Connus & Inconnus, a three-day art exhibition in Lausanne is a must-see. Does a good painting encourage and challenge our thinking, increase our curiosity and stimulate our emotions? If you’re like me and buy art to trigger your senses, to explore self and to satisfy a love of form and beauty, then Connus & Inconnus, […]
Health expert recommends Covid certificates for Swiss ski lifts
Lukas Engelberger, head of the association of cantonal health directors, has recommended making Covid certificates compulsory for riding on Swiss ski lifts, reported Le Nouvelliste. According to Engelberger, requiring Covid passes to access ski lifts would remove the need to wear masks and make people feel safer. In any case most skiers are likely to […]
Number of vacant homes in Switzerland drops for first time in 12 years
Finding a place to live in Switzerland is difficult. Home availability is low and prices are high. On 13 September 2021, the Federal Statistical Office published data showing a sharp drop in the number of vacant homes since 2020, a development that will make home hunting harder. On 1 June 2021, there were 71,365 vacant […]
Swiss minister accused of breaking constitutional principle
Constitutionally, the title of president in Switzerland is only ceremonial. All seven members of the Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive, have equal power and are required to govern by harmonious consensus, a principle known as collegiality. This means that all federal councillors are expected to present a united front to the public even when they don’t […]
Two weaknesses in Swiss health insurance revealed by documentary
A recent documentary by RTS reveals two key weaknesses in Switzerland’s system of compulsory health insurance that make it difficult to claim for cancer drugs. Switzerland has a system of compulsory health insurance that covers most medical care and medicines, but not everything. Optional additional insurance can be added on top, but given the high […]
Covid: new cases in Switzerland remain high this week
This week, 19,237 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, up sightly (+7%) from the week before (18,055). This week there were 48 Covid-19 deaths compared to 44 the week before. However, recent death numbers can rise retrospectively due to data reporting delays. On Wednesday, the government extended the use of Covid certificates. From Monday […]
FILM: DELICIOUS – a beguiling, old-fashioned tale
10 September 2021. By Neptune DÉLICIEUX (Delicious) ***1/2 (vo French) This film by Eric Besnard is what the title evokes – delicious! The courtly interiors, the bucolic paysage, the delicate music, the inventive food, and the slow love that finally develops make it so. It’s a French film after all, based in the late 18th […]
Swiss government extends use of Covid certificates from Monday
On 8 September 2021, the Swiss government decided to extend the use of Covid certificates. From Monday 13 September 2021, a certificate will be required to enter bars, restaurants, museums, cinemas, theatres and pools, a system already operating in numerous countries, such as Italy. The decision comes on a day when the health authorities announced […]
