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She is watching with concern the sharp increase in corona infections and is therefore considering new measures.
As in Zurich, protective masks could also become a problem at train stations.
The number of coronavirus infections has recently exploded in Switzerland. The canton of Zurich has also been seriously affected. 148 new cases were reported Thursday. This means that the number of infections has more than doubled in a week.
The strong increase mainly affects the young population. This partly explains why the number of hospitalizations is currently low. However, this finding should be treated with caution, because whether the current increase has any consequence in the number of hospital admissions it will only become apparent in a week or two. Furthermore, a slight upward trend can now also be observed among the elderly.
Family, friends and local groups
In many cases, it is not clear where those affected with the coronavirus are infected. Only about a third of those infected were able to name the site of infection. By far the most frequently mentioned is still home, followed by family, friends, work, as well as clubs and bars. There have also been local groups recently, for example at the asylum return center in Urdorf, at a business aperitif or at the salsa scene. There alone, more than 60 people were infected with the virus.
Natalie Rickli, government councilor for the SVP Zurich, describes the current situation as “worrying”.
Zurich authorities are monitoring the developments. Zurich health director Natalie Rickli (svp.) Described the situation in an interview with the “Tages-Anzeiger” as “worrying”. He announced that he would examine the tightening of protective measures together with special Covid-19 personnel in the next week. If the number of infections continues to rise, for example, an extension of the mask requirement will become a problem for Rickli. This requirement currently applies to public transport and shops in the canton of Zurich. Bern has gone one step further and has also imposed a mask requirement for train stations.
Rickli also offers the ability to further restrict the number of participants in events. “And, of course, we continue to try to identify groups like salsa and take specific measures.
Rickli also calls on the federal government to move forward with rapid tests. The tests, the health director said, would make things easier. “They are suitable, for example, for healthcare workers, for employees in nursing homes and retirement homes, or for visitors there.” Therefore, the canton will establish a rapid test pandemic warehouse, said the government adviser. The Federal Office of Public Health is still reluctant. Currently, the authority advises against the routine use of rapid tests.
It has already been decided that contact tracing will be further expanded in the canton of Zurich. According to Rickli, 10 additional tracers will be used in addition to the existing 250. Expansion should take place as soon as possible.
Protective material available
No bottlenecks have emerged in the protective material yet. Occasionally, one receives feedback from service providers that protective material might be in short supply, according to the health department at the request of NZZ. But: “Currently we are not aware that protective material is generally scarce.” The market has recovered notably in recent weeks and months. But, of course, the global demand for protective material is still high. “That is why the market is not stable yet and delivery times are sometimes longer.” But there are enough providers on the free market.
The canton’s pharmacy and also the federal government have warehouses of protection material in case of a pandemic to be able to secure supplies. According to the health department, these camps are currently adequately equipped.
