Close to 1,000 young people assembled to watch a football match on Thursday evening in Boveresses, a northern suburb of Lausanne, in defiance of Switzerland’s ban on gatherings of more than five people, according to RTS. The group, aged mainly between 16 and 20, were there to watch a match between teams from the cities […]
Religious gatherings allowed to restart in Switzerland
On 20 May 2020, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided it would allow religious services to take place again from 28 May 2020. Faith communities should be able to resume their common religious life, said the government. Religious communities have one week to come up with plans to protect people from the virus and ensure possible chains […]
Italy set to reopen borders with Switzerland from 3 June 2020
Italy is preparing to reopen its borders with the rest of Europe, according to the newspaper La Repubblica. A draft law on new rules was published on 15 May 2020 by the Italian Council of Ministers. It provides for the possibility of allowing entry to Italy from 3 June 2020 without requiring those arriving from […]
Most want masks made compulsory on Swiss public transport, suggests survey
More than two thirds are in favour of making masks compulsory on Switzerland’s public suggests a survey run by Tamedia, according to the newspaper Le Matin. In addition, the survey showed widespread support for tracing apps (60%) and reopening schools (70%). Confidence is Switzerland’s government (84%) was high. 45% thought the pace of reopening was […]
Coronavirus: unmarried couples can cross between Austria, Germany and Switzerland
On 15 May 2020, the Swiss government announced that the borders between Switzerland, Germany and Austria are to open again for unmarried couples in long-term cross-border relationships from midnight. These borders are also open for those wishing to visit relatives or attend important family events. Restrictions will also be lifted for people who own a […]
Coronavirus: new studies suggest fatality rates far lower than early estimates
At the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, fatality rates were based on those testing positive for the virus using mucus-based swab testing. Now, we have the results of an increasing number of community-wide antibody blood tests, and they paint a different picture. The main SARS-CoV-2 test involves taking a mucus sample and analysing it to […]
Coronavirus: new study may help to explain why men at higher risk
A recently published study shows that men’s blood contains greater concentrations of an enzyme that helps SARS-CoV-2 infect cells. Researchers in the Netherlands have discovered that men have higher levels of ACE2 in their blood than women. The enzyme, found in higher concentrations in male blood plasma, allows the virus to infect cells with the […]
Coronavirus: Switzerland sets date for fully reopened borders with Germany, Austria and France
On 13 May 2020, Karin Keller-Sutter, Switzerland’s ministerial head of police and justice, said Switzerland is aiming to fully reopen borders between Germany, Austria and France on 15 June 2020. After discussions with her counterparts in these three countries she said there was a common will to return to normal as quickly as possible including […]
Swiss government reveals more on Covid-19 tracing app
On 13 May 2020, Switzerland’s government published more information on the Swiss Proximity Tracing App (Swiss PT), an app designed to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Developed by teams at EPFL and ETHZ, the app uses Bluetooth to detect when your phone comes within two metres of another phone or device with the app. It […]
Coronavirus: the dangers of singing
As Switzerland reopens, the details around how SARS-CoV-2 spreads becomes more relevant to everyday life. Matthias Egger, the head of Switzerland’s Covid-19 task force, stresses the importance of continuing to follow social distancing and hygiene rules. However, the Swiss government’s recommended rule of staying two metres away from the next person might not be enough […]
