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 […]
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 variant risks
It is still possible to fly to Switzerland from Brazil where a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 is circulating. This variant 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 variant is 2.2 to 2.5 times more contagious. If this […]
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 […]
Covid: cases and deaths up in Switzerland this week
This week, saw 14,451 new Covid-19 cases in Switzerland, up 10% from a week before (13,125). The 7-day average is currently 2,064 new daily cases, up from 1,875 last week. There were 98 Covid-19 deaths this week, up from 52 last week. At the same time Swiss hospitals report lower numbers of Covid-19 patients. One […]
Swiss air quality improves in 2020 but depends on location
In 2020, Switzerland was ranked 18th out of a 106 nations for the quality of its air, placing it comfortably in the top quintile. However, Swiss air quality depends on where you live. In 2020, Switzerland ranked 18th with a score of 9.00, up from a rank of 24th with a score of 10.90. The […]
Amnesty International critical of Swiss pandemic response
According to the human rights watchdog Amnesty International, the measures taken by the Swiss government in response to the pandemic placed disproportionate restrictions on freedom of expression. The organisation was also critical of Switzerland’s temporary suspension of asylum demands during the pandemic. Between March and June 2020, the Swiss government used exceptional powers in response […]
