Corona press conference – head of the working group: “We are still in a risk zone”

“We try to guarantee good access to all those who wish to be vaccinated,” says Nartey. “But we also want to make it easier for those who are vaccinated.” For this purpose, tools are used that are currently being reviewed by the data protection officer.

The military is not intended to help with contact tracing, so Droz. The army has other tasks. “We get involved wherever they call us. If at any point it comes down to contact tracing, we’ll do that too. “

Contact tracing has been further expanded, Nartey says. The situation in the canton of Bern is good. “But we can’t just sit back and relax.”

It is not known if all the tourists from Great Britain have been found. “I can’t say that because we don’t know where they are,” Mathys said. “We do not have a detailed list of the quarantine.” The tourist who had bragged about his “escape” from quarantine had no reason to fear a fine. “It’s hard to say one when it’s gone,” says Mathys. But basically you would have to be fined.

Mathys responds that it still makes sense to coordinate European measures. “We try really hard, especially when it comes to travel and restrictions.”

“We have always advocated that no automation is allowed, and that you should always ask the experts about them,” Ackermann responds.

“Clearly there are only a few doses of vaccines,” says Mathys, “but that will increase rapidly. Soon 250,000 cans per month should be available. “

Canton doctor Narthey says prioritization has been established, but will get better and better in the coming weeks. You have already reported that there could be bottlenecks. But there is understanding among those willing to get vaccinated, and perhaps a little impatience.

“We don’t demand this, we just show an action option,” says Ackermann. “Postponing the start of school until January 11 would be a good way to prevent infection.”

“At the moment, the numbers are too unreliable, so Mathy, and with a view of the open ski areas, adds:” I would wait until I decide to relax.

“Professional associations are sensitized,” says Mathys. “We assume that the preparation for vaccination will be greater than with vaccination against influenza. If we want to return to normality, we have to have a high willingness to vaccinate, even in the general population. “

“As far as is known, all the above measures also work against the new mutations,” says Ackermann. «The measures that have been taken will be effective. But that doesn’t mean there is no potential yet. “For example, Ackermann mentions mobility, which is still too high. There is also the option of quarantine before classes start.” We see even more potential for the home office. adds Ackermann.

“The scenarios that the task force has calculated are not accurate predictions,” Ackermann explains. “We want to show how you can act against mutations to buy time. If vaccination becomes widespread then it will certainly have a lasting effect on the number of cases and scenarios. “

“We calculate the R number using four models,” says Ackermann. “When we describe the pandemic, we are also referring to other indicators.”

The round of questions from journalists: Why was the R-value revised down so sharply and is this indicator useful as a control element for measurements?

Ackermann: The R-value is an elementary aspect of an epidemic. It describes how many people have recently been infected, but we can only estimate them.

These estimates need to be continually refined. The R-value has changed a lot in recent days, hence these adjustments, says Ackermann.

However, according to Ackermann, decisions should always be made with several factors in mind, including the involvement of experts. “There should be no automation.”

Also read on the subject: Suddenly the R-value drops

Brigadier General Raynald Droz is now in command: the army is in the second wave on day 56 of its deployment and was able to approve about 50 percent of deployment requests.

711 members of the army and around 800 volunteers are deployed in the second wave. The balance was positive, a balance could be maintained between available troops and volunteers, so Droz. You are tired, but giving up is not an option.

The working group has developed several scenarios for the new mutations. These are presented to the media in the form of slides. In the worst case, the numbers with the new variants could be developed in such a way that a 50 percent higher infection rate is conceivable.

Mutations in the virus are one of the reasons why there have been many new infections. So far there are seven confirmed cases with the new variants. Ackermann assumes that they currently represent less than 1 percent of new cases. But that could change quickly, as the example of Great Britain shows.

There are many more people who have to be admitted to hospitals. “More hospitalizations also mean more and more people in the intensive care unit, and therefore more deaths,” says Ackermann.

Martin Ackermann is now addressing the media. Even if the R-value fell slightly over the holidays, the task force would like to point out very clearly that the number of new infections is still too high, according to the chair of the COVID-19 Scientific Task Force.

More than 80 people die every day in Switzerland, that is our country “In the sad seventh place” so Ackermann.

More about this: In terms of deaths, Switzerland surpasses all neighboring countries

Testing capabilities are still very good, Nartey says. She asks that people get tested early and abide by hygiene rules. Contact tracing is also continuing, on different bases in the different cantons. Some of them are very challenged. The tracers employed would have to be trained over and over again.

Also read on the subject: Confusion about hospital admissions and deaths

Linda Nartey, a doctor from the canton of Bern and vice-president of the Cantonal Medical Association, took the floor. “The burden on the healthcare system and especially on the staff is still too high”Nartey warns, the lowercase figures during the holiday season should not obscure the fact that the situation remains worrisome.

There was a limited Christmas to celebrate and now New Year’s Eve is just around the corner: Mathys: “We are challenged again.” You have to be careful: “Try to keep the contacts as low as possible,” warns Mathys. It is possible to toast: twice the length of an arm also equals 1.5 meters. AND: “Don’t kiss me on New Years Eve!”