Lombardy, the region in northern Italy where the coronavirus outbreak first took off in Europe, now has fewer per capita cases testing positive for the virus than some Swiss cantons. Recent data from Italy show there were 221 cases per 100,000 in Lombardy. In Ticino, Switzerland’s worst affected canton, there were 477 cases per 100,000, […]
Coronavirus: Vaud, Basel and Ticino worst hit
The latest update on the spread of the coronavirus in Switzerland was published this afternoon. By 20 March 2020, the recoded number of Covid-19 infections in Switzerland had risen to 4,840, a number sure to be far below the real number of infections. The numbers of deaths (43) and recoveries (15) are low, reflecting Switzerland’s […]
Switzerland introduces fines for gatherings of more than 5 people
Switzerland’s federal government announced today that all gatherings in public spaces, including unplanned ones, are now banned. Public spaces include parks, squares and streets. People gathering in groups of fewer than 5 must stay at least 2 metres apart. The police have been given authority to issue fines of CHF 100 per person to anyone […]
Coronavirus: estimating the death toll in Switzerland
COVID-19 has hit the world fast and we are racing to understand it, while struggling to come to terms with its deadly impact. When trying to estimate the impact, it is tempting to take the current number of deaths and divide it by the number of reported cases to find a death rate. In Switzerland […]
Is Ibuprofen dangerous for those infected with the coronavirus?
Ibuprofen belongs to a family of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). On 14 March 2020, Olivier Véran, France’s health minister Tweeted that taking anti-inflammatory medicine “could be an aggravating factor” for those infected with Covid-19, and recommended paracetamol for those with a fever. Later, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), said that […]
Swiss government announces further restrictions to slow spread of virus
At a press conference at 5pm on 16 March 2020, members of the Federal Council presented a list of further restrictions designed to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus, that will become active from midnight tonight. A video of the conference can be viewed below. Alain Berset, Switzerland’s interior minister, called on the population […]
Ticino: shops, cafés, bars and restaurants close
This evening, the cantonal government of Ticino announced the closure of of cafés and shops, with the exception of food shops and pharmacies, according to RTS. Restaurants in the canton are also closed. Ticino is now aligned with the retail lockdown rules in the neighbouring Italian region of Lombardy, where the first major outbreak of […]
Coronavirus: Swiss hospitals have around 750 breathing ventilators
One of the biggest challenges during the coronavirus outbreak will be ensuring there are enough qualified staff and equipment to keep the worst affected patients alive. Thierry Fumeaux, head of the Swiss Society of Intensive Medicine, told RTS there are 82 intensive care units (ICU) across Switzerland. These have a combined 850 places, of which […]
Coronavirus: don’t assume you’ll get a test
Earlier this week, Switzerland restricted coronavirus testing. However, some may be unaware of how restrictive the testing is now. For example, a 60 year old man with a cough, high temperature and breathing difficulties who isn’t in a high risk group (suffering from hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or immunosuppression), isn’t a health […]
Coronavirus: Swiss government locks down nation
This afternoon, Switzerland’s government announced a series of measures in response to the coronavirus. Gatherings of 100 or more people have been banned. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs must not exceed 50 people and remain apart. Children are to stop going to school, however, the cantons must make the final decision. Schools can stay open if […]
