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Very slight optimism at the BAG press conference. The effect of the measures is still uncertain.
The location: The head of the Infection Control Section of the Federal Office of Public Health remains concerned about the situation. “It is too early to say whether the measures taken last week are effective,” says Virginie Masserey. However, for the first time in a long time, the federal government is seeing a trend toward a slowdown in the increase in the number of corona cases. “We are seeing a slight flattening of the curve,” Masserey said. However, it would take a few more days for hospital admissions to stabilize. “Therefore, infections must now recede rapidly so that hospitals are not overloaded.”
Intensive Care Bed Capacity: The development of hospitalizations remains concerning, Masserey said. There are currently 3,200 people in the intensive care units of Swiss hospitals, 45 percent of whom are Covid patients. “We still have reservations.” There is currently 27 percent capacity in intensive care units. If the numbers continue to grow as they are now, the intensive care units will be full in five days.
Cantons measures: Some cantons have already taken action. Non-urgent medical interventions were postponed. The 14-day incidence is highest in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. According to Masserey, the effect of the stricter measures at the federal level cannot yet be determined in detail. However, early indications indicated that population mobility was declining. “That should encourage us to continue implementing the measures.” According to Masserey, there is apparently a small change in the test strategy at Neuchâtel. Asymptomatic direct contact persons can also be quarantined there directly without a test. And then when you’re pretty sure the person is infected. But that’s not a real change in strategy.
Situation with fans: According to Masserey, there is currently no shortage of fans. “The army has enough equipment in stock.” Some cantons have already ordered ventilation machines, the expert told Bundeshaus media.
Where do people get infected? When asked by a reporter if people at school or in a restaurant were more likely to get infected, Masserey said, “That’s hard to say.” There are no exact numbers. In schools there is more transmission from children to teachers than from teachers to children. In restaurants, confined space is particularly problematic.
Does contact tracing work? Rudolf Hauri, president of the Cantonal Doctors Association, criticized the situation in the cantons. Contact tracing is not performing as it should. The system is overloaded. Corrections “in the running gear” are not easy either. There are always discussions about quarantine. Close contacts of infected people want to be excluded from quarantine time and time again. For example, employees of authorities and hospitals. Exceptions are granted here, but only for work. Hauri concludes: “We all have to move forward, a slight decline or stabilization is not enough. The decline must be sustainable to alleviate the health system. “
