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Because the number of Covid 19 cases has increased dramatically, contact tracing is at its limit. Authorities are now targeting those who are most at risk of infection.
State Councilor Rebecca Ruiz and Philippe Eckert, director of the university hospital, explained on Thursday how Vaud is preparing for a second wave.
With regard to the corona pandemic, Vaud is currently in the spotlight: the media and politics. With almost 220 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants during the last 14 days, it is currently by far the most affected canton in Switzerland. The cantonal government decided on Tuesday to take broad measures: discos and nightclubs must remain closed, private events with more than 100 people are prohibited and a face mask must be worn in closed public spaces.
The fact that the German-speaking Swiss media enjoyed critical and sometimes controversial reporting on incomplete contact tracing was not well received in French-speaking Switzerland. Several no less direct comments from journalists followed in reaction. And now, on Friday night, even the Vaudois government felt compelled to defend its approach in a lengthy statement.
What happened? Swiss French-speaking radio and television RTS reported a “rule change” and “significant loosening” of cantonal quarantine regulations on Thursday night on their respective flagship programs. The Vaud no longer sends all contact persons of those who have tested positive for isolation, but mainly those who live in the same household as an infected person or maintain a close relationship with them.
“By no means a relaxation”
In its statement, the Vaud government defends itself. The canton’s localization strategy fully meets the requirements of the federal government, “in no way is it about easing or lifting restrictions.” It couldn’t be a change in strategy. However, in terms of content, the canton reports changes. As the number of cases has increased considerably, as of September 8, “the criteria leading to a quarantine obligation have been temporarily adjusted” and now act according to a “weighting according to priority”.
In concrete terms, this means that the canton is now concentrating its contact tracing on those people who are most at risk of infection, that is, those who live under the same roof as a person who tested positive. If you have sat at the same table as an infected person or have participated in the same party, quarantine is not indicated as long as you do not show any symptoms of the disease. Other cantons would handle this in exactly the same way, Vaud says. Those who are not required to self-quarantine now have to “control themselves.” That means: stay away from other people, wear a mask, and get tested for the slightest sign of Covid 19 symptoms.
Ultimately, Vaud is also concerned about not having too many people in quarantine at the same time. At the beginning of the week there were about 2000 people. The head of the economic department Philippe Leuba stressed at the press conference on Tuesday that the proper functioning of the affected companies was no longer guaranteed. The health system, which is staff intensive, is of particular importance.
Regional arrangements
Vaud can count on the understanding of the other cantons. Authorities should continue to identify as many contact persons as possible and, if necessary, quarantine them, says Lukas Engelberger, president of the Conference of Health Directors. But when it reaches its limits due to the number of cases, it is “understandable and correct” to focus on the highest risks.
The division of powers between the federal government and the cantons should be maintained, but stronger regional agreements are desirable, Engelberger said. In hindsight, the two largest cantons in western Switzerland could have coordinated the closing of nightclubs: In Geneva, discos have been closed since early August, when the Vaud had even lower numbers. “But for an unpopular measure to be accepted by the population, the pressure of the problem must first be great,” says the Basel governing council.
Marcel Tanner, a member of the federal Covid-19 task force, may also understand the new quarantine regulations in Vaud. “This is a pragmatic adjustment that other cantons also made in the health system in the spring,” says the epidemiologist. In an emergency, for example, care could no longer be assured. This strategy requires more discipline and responsibility on the part of those affected. “But we should expect them to do that,” Tanner said.
Federal Chancellor Kurz and Federal President Sommaruga want to prevent the border from being closed again
By. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga discussed questions about Corona in Bern on Friday. It was agreed that in future border closures between the two countries should be avoided. Closed borders are very difficult for the population to understand, Sommaruga said. Family and social structures in border areas must be taken into account. The two politicians emphasized that they wanted to continue intense cooperation during the pandemic. It has proven to be crisis proof.
According to Sommaruga, there are no agreements between Switzerland and Austria on ski areas. Health Minister Alain Berset had asked for international coordination. Skiing will certainly be possible in Austria, Kurz said. However, social gatherings such as après-ski would be restricted. A detailed concept will be presented next week. Kurz assumes that similar rules would apply in Switzerland and Italy.
According to Sommaruga, the Federal Council will be “even more informed” about Corona with immediate effect and will periodically assess the situation. To this end, experts are brought to the meeting if necessary. The government wants to ensure that cooperation with the cantons works well even with a growing number, Sommaruga said.
