In 2020, total reserves held by Swiss health insurance companies reached CHF 11.3 billion, a level equivalent to 203% of the minimum required, according to RTS. Excess reserves jumped recently after the government cut the minimum reserve level by one third, part of a move designed to encourage health insurers to align premiums more closely […]
Switzerland books a federal deficit of 14 billion francs in 2020
On 14 April 2021, Switzerland’s federal government announced it had spent CHF 14.2 billion more that it had collected in revenue in 2020. The loss represents the federal government’s consolidated excess expenditure for the year and is linked to the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the statement. An additional CHF 16.8 billion was […]
Covid: 14,800 new cases in Switzerland this week
This week, saw 14,856 new Covid-19 cases in Switzerland, up 3% from a week before (14,451). The 7-day average is currently 2,122 new daily cases, up from 2,064 last week. There were 53 Covid-19 deaths this week, down from 98 last week. By 16 April 2021, 8.5% of Switzerland’s population was fully vaccinated, up from […]
Bio Suisse rejects anti-pesticide initiative in favour of its margins
The organic association Bio Suisse has come out against an upcoming referendum in June 2021 that aims to restrict Swiss farm income support payments to those who renounce the use of pesticide and the non-medical use of antibiotics on livestock. A popular reason for buying organic food is the concerns around the negative effects of […]
Covid: Switzerland maintains air links with Brazil despite new varient risks
It is still possible to fly to Switzerland from Brazil where a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 is circulating. This varient appears to be more contagious, more virulent and able to re-infect those who have had the original strain. Studies in Brazil suggests the P1 varient is 2.2 to 2.5 times more contagious. If this […]
Minimum wage hurting young people in Swiss canton
Around three years ago, the Swiss canton of Jura introduced a minimum wage of CHF 20 an hour (US$ 21.65). Now there is political pressure relook at the move, according to RTS. A group of cantonal parliamentarians from the PDC (CVP) is pushing for a review of the situation in response to pressure from some […]
FILM – YALOM’S CURE – existential therapy presented by Swiss filmmaker
16 April 2021. By Neptune YALOM’S CURE **** An hour and 17 minutes of this documentary will leave you feeling as though you’ve been cleansed, rehabilitated and instructed by a healing guru. For free – or just the price of the movie ticket! The Swiss filmmaker Sabine Gisiger went over to California to interview Irvin […]
Covid: Switzerland to reopen further from Monday
On 14 April 2021, Switzerland’s Federal Council presented plans to reopen the country further despite a deteriorating epidemiological situation. From Monday, 19 April 2021, it will be possible to hold events with audiences and spectators subject to restrictions, for example at sports stadiums, cinemas, theatres and concert venues. Indoor sports and cultural activities will also […]
More than half of UK has Covid-19 antibodies
On 14 April 2021, the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) issued a report that suggests 54% of the UK population had antibodies to Covid-19 by 28 March 2021. The comparable percentage in Switzerland could be around 25%, however there is no up to date data to indicate this. Most of the antibodies detected in […]
