This week, 6,845 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, down 16% from the 8,188 recorded the week before. On a 7-day moving average basis, the number of daily new cases (978) is back down to where it was in early August 2021. The number entering hospital with Covid-19 is also down. Over the last 7 days, […]
Swiss farmers hit back at nutritional labelling
Bulging waist lines and high rates of heart disease, cancer and type II diabetes are putting increasing pressure on healthcare systems, so the world is on the lookout for ways to tackle the problem. One is food labelling. But few producers want their products labelled as unhealthy. Swiss farmers are no exception. According to the […]
Swiss opposition to extension of Covid certificates lower than perceived
According to a recent survey, one third of Swiss are against the extension of Covid certificates. But most think opposition is higher. Two thirds of those surveyed by Tamedia were happy for Covid certificates to be extended to restaurants and public spaces, reported 20 Minutes. The 67% in favour of the extension were either fully […]
Assura’s health premium rise exceeds its refund
On 4 October 2021, Assura, one of Switzerland’s largest providers of health insurance, informed 500,000 policy holders they would receive a refund. Earlier, on 28 September 2021, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), presented the company’s premiums for 2022. For many policy holders, next year’s premium increases will substantially exceed this year’s refunds. Next […]
Covid: this week over 90% of hospitalised unvaccinated as cases fall in Switzerland
This week, 8,188 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, down 21% from the 10,309 recorded the week before. The vast majority of those ending up in hospital or dying with Covid-19 in Switzerland continue to be those who are recorded as unvaccinated. 92% of those hospitalised (120 out of 131) and 90% of those dying (27 […]
Covid: non-mRNA vaccine soon available in Switzerland
On 29 September 2021, Switzerland’s government announced it had signed a contract with Johnson & Johnson to receive 150,000 doses of its Covid-19 vaccine. The delivery of the doses is expected next week. The viral vector vaccine will be used primarily on people who cannot receive mRNA vaccines for medical reasons. However, it will also […]
Swiss air pollution exceeds new WHO guidelines
On 22 September 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adjusted its healthy guidelines for key air pollutants. Switzerland now regularly exceeds maximum guidelines for several pollutants. According to WHO, exposure to air pollution is estimated to cause 7 million premature deaths a year globally and result in the loss of millions more healthy years of […]
Swiss health premiums to rise for many in 2022 despite average price fall
Compulsory Swiss health insurance premiums are on average set to fall by 0.2% in 2022, announced the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on 28 September 2021. This is the first time since 2008 that average premiums have fallen. Basic health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland and governed by federal law called LAMal. Insurers must […]
The impact of language on health and wellbeing
What impact do the languages you speak have on your health and wellbeing? Social-science researchers at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Switzerland seek answers to this question and are looking for people to interview who live in French-speaking Switzerland and do not speak French as a native language. Social connection is fundamental for health and […]
Covid certificate soon required to enter Swiss parliament building
Since 13 September 2021, a Covid certificate has been required to enter bars, restaurants, museums, cinemas, theatres, public baths and various other places in Switzerland. From Saturday, 2 October 2021, the same requirement will be extended to the Federal Palace in Bern, reported RTS. A bill making Covid certificates compulsory to enter the Federal Palace […]
