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“The situation worries us,” BAG director Anne Lévy told the media. He reported on the current situation of the corona pandemic. The most important points:
On the development of the pandemic: Lévy made it clear that the pandemic could “last even longer.” But: “We are well positioned to get through the difficult months ahead.” The crisis organization is ready for it. The work has been excellent so far. The essence of a pandemic is to face it with patience.
To the new campaign: “The numbers are increasing rapidly and throughout Switzerland,” said Lévy, head of BAG. For this reason, the federal government is starting a new campaign to make the population aware of the seriousness of the situation. For this reason, the FOPH has chosen the orange campaign color for the well-known theme, which refers among other things to hygiene measures.
“The orange color should be seen: now it is important to adhere to the measures,” said Lévy. It is everyone’s job to ensure that the increase can be stopped.
About the tests: According to the federal government, there is enough material in Switzerland for corona tests. “We also have tests in stock and we are negotiating for more tests,” said Anne Lévy. The federal government is also in talks with national industrial companies about whether the test material could also be made in Switzerland in the future.
In addition, the reference laboratory in Geneva is evaluating rapid tests. “We’ll see how and where it makes sense to use them.” However, it should be noted that rapid tests are not self-assessments. I still need a nasopharyngeal swab from a healthcare professional.
Regarding new measures: You are still in the special situation and the cantons are in the lead, Lévy emphasizes. “The cantons take the necessary measures.” The BAG is in permanent contact with the cantons. The goal is to prevent people from having to stay home again, as happened in the spring.
About a vaccine: Switzerland’s goal is to help ensure that a vaccine that Switzerland has access to is rapidly developed and distributed fairly globally. FOPH is pursuing various strategies when it comes to procuring vaccines, said Nora Kronig, director of International Affairs at FOPH: first, direct procurement from the private sector, second, close contact with the EU and neighboring countries, and third , strong commitment at the multilateral level.
There are currently ten vaccines in development for Switzerland. For example, Switzerland has signed a contract with the biotechnology company Moderna. At the biotech company Covax, they have reserved vaccines for 20 percent of the population, Kronig said. However, there will be no mandatory vaccination.
