Over the last 4 weeks, around half1 of those dying from Covid-19 in Switzerland were unvaccinated. At a glance, it might appear that vaccines are not working very well. However, they are proving to be highly effective, reducing the chance of dying from the disease by more than 80%. Over the 4 weeks to 14 […]
An average 80 year old in Switzerland has a life expectancy of around 10 years
When people mention life expectancy, it is likely they are referring to average life expectancy at birth. In Switzerland, in 2020, this figure was 81.0 years for men and 85.1 years for women. However, this does not mean an average 80 year-old man should expect to live only 1 more year or an average woman […]
Swissmedic gives green light to vaccination of 5-11 year olds with Pfizer
Swissmedic said that it has carefully examined all the data submitted with the application for an extension for the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech for use on 5 to 11 year olds. The vaccine is safe and effective in this age group, said the drug approval agency. The vaccine for children is given in two doses […]
Cigarettes might soon cost double in Switzerland
The world is getting tougher on tobacco. This week, New Zealand’s government announced plans to make it illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone born after 2008. In Switzerland, where cigarettes are around 40% of the price in New Zealand, an anti-smoking association has called for prices to be hiked from CHF 8 to CHF 14 […]
Covid: case numbers reach record levels in Switzerland this week
This week, 59,503 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, up 13% from the 52,470 reported the week before. Daily case numbers on a 7-day average basis now exceed last winter’s peak. The latest 7-day average figure published on 4 December 2021 was 9,390. The peak last winter was 8,061. Compared to last winter, […]
Covid: vaccinated make up 3% of those dying, according to Swiss hospital data
According to hospital reports in Switzerland, vaccination against Covid-19 is highly effective at preventing death. The latest version of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) report, which covers 20 Swiss hospitals, found that only 14 out of 495 Covid-19 deaths recorded between 23 December 2020 and 31 August 2021 were among those fully vaccinated, […]
Some health professionals in Switzerland argue for ICU priority for vaccinated
Covid-19 patients are again pushing intensive care units in parts of Switzerland towards their limits, causing some professionals to pose controversial questions on the allocation of treatment, reported 20 Minutes. In a press release this week, the Swiss Nursing Association sounded the alarm on intensive care units (ICU) reaching overload. It said that if significant […]
Covid: Swiss government tightens restrictions as hospitalisations rise further this week
This week, 52,470 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, up 23% from the 42,518 reported the week before. On a 7-day moving average basis the number of daily new cases was 7,496. Daily case numbers are now broadly back to last winter’s peak. So far, similarly high case numbers have not translated into the same level of […]
Covid: Swiss government tightens restrictions from Monday
On 3 December 2021, Switzerland’s Federal Council announced tighter restrictions from Monday. From 6 December 2021, Covid certificates will be required for more activities and mask wearing will be extended, said the government. In addition, the validity of rapid antigen tests will be reduced and people will be urged to work from home. Infection rates […]
A Covid patient can cost more than 100,000 francs in Switzerland
From 8 December 2021, anyone in Singapore treated for Covid-19 who has not been vaccinated will need to cover the cost of their own treatment. In Switzerland, similar ideas were raised by Swiss parliamentarian Kurt Fluri in July 2021 and by Mauro Poggia, Geneva’s health minister in August 2021. Covid patients not only reduce the […]
