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The economy wants to know how the Federal Council acts when the number of cases increases again. Health Minister Alain Berset submitted a first article to the university. Opinions differ.
Now it is up to each individual – anyone experiencing symptoms like fever and cough should definitely go to the doctor and get tested.
Is the second wave approaching? And if so, how bad will it get? The forecasts and opinions of the experts are very separate. The only thing that seems certain is that the risk should not be underestimated. In view of deficiencies in pre-crisis prevention, this suggests that the federal government and cantons should prepare for this scenario at an early stage. According to well-informed sources in the administration, Health Minister Alain Berset (sp.) Presented the university with the first confidential information on these questions on Friday.
The document, however, turned out to be quite vague, according to other departments. In any case, it was unclear what specific measures Berset and his experts would suggest, as long as the number of cases increased again in the coming weeks or the capacity of hospitals became scarce. The lack of coordination with Guy Parmelin’s economic department (svp.) Is also partially criticized. Finally, the Federal Council agreed to deepen the issue in the coming weeks, with the economic department making a greater contribution. Their knowledge is in demand because the additional restrictions would inevitably cause more damage to the economy.
Economiesuisse demands clarity
Government opinions differ. Finance Minister Ueli Maurer (svp.) Is alone at the university with his fundamental skepticism about the drastic measures that the Federal Council took in mid-March. However, voices can also be heard in other departments warning that Switzerland cannot afford a second closure. The unexpectedly sharp rise in unemployment since mid-March has left those in Bern with lasting fear. There is general agreement that one wants to avoid a second wave. But what will the Federal Council do if it arrives anyway? Are regional regimes, for example, an option?
The economy demands planning security: “The federal government must communicate clearly and transparently, how it will act under what circumstances, and how the population and the economy must prepare for it.” This is expressed by the umbrella economic association Economiesuisse. In his opinion, a clear announcement from Bern would facilitate operational planning and avoid panic reactions like buying hamsters. However, on Friday it was unclear whether and when the Federal Council would inform the public about contingency planning.
See Covid symptoms immediately
Instead, a point was raised at the Federal Council press conference that is particularly important in avoiding a second wave: if you experience mild symptoms like a cough or fever, you should immediately and in any case contact your GP to get the proof. This was pointed out by Daniel Koch, Covid’s federal delegate. Now it all depends. It is important that all cases are discovered if possible. This is the only way to efficiently track contacts and limit spread. People who could have become infected should be quickly quarantined.
At the start of the Corona crisis, the strategy was different: At that time, the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) advised everyone with symptoms to stay home. In this phase, only people who have an increased risk of infection or who have severe symptoms should be tested.
The federal government will relax the recommendations for older people
For his part, Health Minister Berset said that after weeks of exceptional situations, “normal life” should slowly begin to function again. The second largest opening step will take place on Monday when stores, schools and restaurants start operating again. Berset also offered some relaxation for risk groups – for people who have a pre-existing condition or who are over 65 years old.
By Monday, BAG wants to adapt the recommendations for this group and differentiate them more than before. Overall, according to Berset, these people could come out more often because the number of cases had dropped dramatically. In addition, however, everyone would have to adapt their behavior to the situation. “The virus sets the pace.”
Not everyone should be able to test the tracking app
This week, Parliament supported many Federal Council decisions in the extraordinary session. It also gave the government a mandate to provide financial aid for childcare facilities in the amount of CHF 65 million. The Federal Council has established the first details: the Confederation will cover one third of the canton’s costs. The latter compensate companies that lack parental contributions due to the Corona crisis. The new rules are to be applied retroactively for six months from mid-March.
In addition, parliament gave the government a second mandate: to provide a legal basis for the cell phone application that complements contact tracking for cantons. To this end, the Federal Council plans to prepare a message for May 20. Subsequently, the responsible commissions must lean on it quickly. Because the summer session of parliament begins in early June, in which the bill must be finalized. The goal is that the application can be used as quickly as possible and therefore the infection chains can be interrupted.
The Swiss PT app, developed by ETH, EPFL and the federal government, will be tested starting in mid-May. According to Berset, the goal of the two-week trial phase is not yet for as many people as possible to use the app. Only certain population groups should participate in the tests. The BAG will decide which will be next week. The use of the application is voluntary.
The app is logged when two smartphones on which the app has been installed are closed for a long time. The data is stored locally and is continuously deleted after 21 days. Users remain anonymous. You don’t have to activate the app repeatedly, just install it once, and then make sure Bluetooth isn’t turned off. This is important because the device connects to other nearby cell phones via Bluetooth.
The border has been smoothed since May 11
The Federal Council had already decided to relax border regulations last week. Now it has decided that the corresponding regulation will take effect on Monday. On this day, another 15 border crossings will reopen in the cantons of Graubünden, Ticino and Solothurn, as well as in western Switzerland. However, the controls will continue. Applications for membership that were submitted before the Corona crisis are processed again. Furthermore, family reunification is once again possible for Swiss and EU citizens.
