142 new corona cases in Aargau, but no new measures yet – says Government Councilor Gallati – Canton (Aargau) – Aargau

The situation is dire. It is five to twelve. We are worse off than other countries. This is how the cantonal doctor, the federal president or the Minister of Health expressed in words the current situation of the crown. In Aargau, the number of new infections increased less rapidly than in other cantons. On Wednesday, however, the number of new infections nearly tripled compared to the previous day.

And yesterday, Thursday, the canton reported 142 new cases, more than ever. The number of deaths has increased by two to a total of 58. However, one of these cases is a death reported retrospectively on October 7. On Tuesday, 20 Covid patients were in Aargau hospital for the first time since the beginning of May. On Wednesday, 25 people were already hospitalized, one of them in the intensive care unit.

Although Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga and Federal Councilor Alain Berset stressed at yesterday’s press conference that you have to react quickly and that you can’t wait until Christmas, they take their time in Aargau. Cantonal doctor Yvonne Hummel announced Wednesday on “Talk Daily” on Tele M1 that she would report on new measures early next week. For example, there is a mask requirement in open-plan offices or cinemas. But the canton doctor also has her sights set on private events, where particularly large numbers of people are infected.

The SP Grand Councilor and doctor Jürg Knuchel criticized the canton’s strategy of dispensing with the requirement to wear a mask in stores: “This does not do justice to the expected development and means that we will be too late if the pandemic accelerates.”

Jean-Pierre Gallati: “Considering the elections would be irresponsible”

In fact, several other cantons have already tightened their measures. Why is Aargau waiting until next week? Shortly before Sunday’s elections, is the governing council afraid to communicate a decision that could restrict the daily lives of the residents of Aargau?

Health director Jean-Pierre Gallati (SVP) dismisses it. “It would be irresponsible if he did not make urgent decisions about the elections.” If necessary, Aargau could introduce new measures in no time, says Gallati. The situation cannot be compared with that of other cantons. There, the number of new infections has risen sharply for weeks or contact tracing is already underway.

Gallati is in regular contact with those responsible for the surrounding cantons of Zurich, Zug, Lucerne, Solothurn, Basel, Basel-Stadt and Bern. The cantons of Solothurn and Baselland, like Aargau, would tighten the measures next week and provide information. According to Gallati, the goal is to coordinate the measures. In the Basel area it is already quite clear what could happen. Health Director Thomas Weber (SVP) said at a press conference yesterday Thursday that mask and home office requirements would only take second priority. First, the sectors would be reduced to 50 people at times. Also, the number of guests for private events could be limited to 30.

The directors of health (GDK) of the cantons are also in contact through the conference of directors of health. Today there will be a virtual meeting of the board. Gallati is not on the board. But in the current situation that is not a disadvantage, he says. “It’s actually more of an advantage because we are not bound by the board’s recommendations.” That gives the canton of Aargau a bit more leeway. And you can still get involved in the GDK, Gallati says.