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Britain imposes entry bans due to Brazil variant
The UK is imposing entry bans on several South American countries to prevent the introduction of a “more contagious variant of the virus” that was first detected in Brazil. In addition to Brazil itself, Argentina, Peru, Panama and Venezuela, among others, are affected, says Transport Minister Grant Shapps. Also entry from
Portugal would be banned given the country’s close ties with Brazil.
In Britain itself, pharmacies now offer coronavirus vaccines as well. The step is intended to help increase the vaccination rate. The government wants to vaccinate up to 15 million people in the highest risk groups by mid-February.
Legend:
Several chains such as Boots and Superdrug, but also independent pharmacies, received the first deliveries.
Keystone
Maximum number of deaths from corona in Germany
In one day, German health authorities reported 1,244 new deaths to the state Robert Koch Institute. In addition, 25,164 new infections were reported. At the same time, the Federal Minister of Health, Jens Spahn, announced the following: “Today we have 840,000 vaccinated people in Germany. The first percentage of the population is vaccinated. “
Meanwhile, RKI President Lothar Wieler is reluctant to comment on a more general obligation to wear protective FFP2 masks. The masks only offer greater protection if worn correctly, says Wieler, referring to the FFP2 obligation for local public transport in Bavaria.
Sweden surpassed the 10,000 mark
In Sweden, more than 10,000 people infected with the coronavirus have died. The daily update of the Swedish krona numbers on Thursday added 351 reported deaths in connection with an infection, meaning there have been 10,185 such deaths in the Scandinavian EU country since the start of the pandemic. By Thursday, a total of more than 518,000 cases of infection were detected.
Legend:
In the Corona crisis, Sweden took a much-noted special route with comparatively moderate restrictions on public life and appeals to the common sense of citizens.
Keystone
British coronavirus mutation: outbreak in Ticino nursing home
The British mutation caused a major coronavirus outbreak at a retirement home in Balerna. The Canton of Ticino announced that numerous residents and employees were infected in a very short time. The retirement home in the Mendrisio region has now been closed for visits, writes the Ticino Department of Health and Social Affairs in a statement that was sent.
End of the press conference
All questions have been asked, the press conference is over. Thank you very much for your interest and here we will keep you informed.
Is there a scenario for the end of the crisis?
Martin Ackermann says that we are in the process of looking at this and are preparing scenarios for when the measures can be smoothed out if necessary. However, at the moment it is too early to present a timetable.
How many dangerous strains of viruses are there in the world?
The question cannot be answered that way. There are a number of strains to which more contagious properties can be assigned, but this must be verified epidemiologically. This is being done all over the world.
Would we have enough FFP2 masks?
If you needed FFP2 masks, “Does Switzerland have a supply?” Was the question. There are currently 3.2 million masks in the federal government. Still 4 million would be obtained. The cantons should also have a 40-day supply, says Mathys. So there are enough current ones.
How do you find mutations?
Ackermann says that mutations would be found in different ways. Some research has been carried out specifically on people who have had contact with the UK. Others would come across random samples. The number of those found in this way gives an indication of their distribution. There are indications that about four percent of the infections would occur through new variants.
Will there also be such press conferences in the future?
Yes, because it is not an event, but a work situation, says Mike Schüpbach from BAG. In theory, it would be possible that even the mask could be removed in a speaking situation. But it was decided not to allow it.
Is the travel ban a problem?
“Is a travel ban coming?” Asks a journalist. Mathys says that traveling naturally means that the virus can spread. But Switzerland is currently one of the countries with the largest number. “Shopping in Bern is currently almost more dangerous than traveling to the Maldives.” Ultimately, this comparison is not helpful.
Would a session in the parliament building now be possible?
The delegation of the administration in the Federal Palace today hardened the measures, says a journalist. Would a session with 300 people currently be possible in the Federal Palace?
Patrick Mathys from BAG says this cannot be estimated at the moment. Martin Ackermann from the working group says that this is a political decision and cannot be decided by the working group.
How long are you immune?
You don’t yet know how long you will be immune after vaccination, Kronig says. Very little time has passed for that. For example, if you have been immune for three years it can only be seen three years after the first vaccination.
Ticino is very active in vaccination.
Nora Kronig admits that the 66,000 vaccines to date are an estimate. The federal computer tool is now available for the cantons. The exact numbers will not be available until next Tuesday. However, different developments can already be seen in the cantons: Ticino, for example, is incredibly active.
Terraces in ski areas
“Can the terraces in the ski areas be open, for example for take away offers?” Schüpbach responds that, in reality, it is not allowed to open the terraces.
Sports stores remain closed
Sports stores would have to close, according to BAG’s Mike Schüpbach. They are not products for daily use. However, the rental stations may be open except on Sundays.
Can infected people get vaccinated?
“Can people infected with Corona get vaccinated?” Kronig says people are currently advised to get vaccinated only afterwards. But there is no evidence that vaccinating infected people can be a problem.
What is the position of the task force on elementary schools?
Martin Ackermann points out that face-to-face teaching has been reduced or canceled in other countries. At present, no such recommendation is made for Switzerland, but it is important to be prepared for it if necessary.
Vaccination at the family doctor.
“Why can’t general practitioners and pharmacies vaccinate yet?” Asks a journalist. Kronig says it is a matter of logistics. One works to make it possible soon. But the quality must remain high. That is why it is still happening.
What about households with five or more members?
Mike Schüpbach from BAG also points out the obligation here. It is not primarily about sanctioning that. But let it be like this: if a family consists of five people, visitors cannot be received. Sanctions were also discussed and they did not want the police to do more private checks and issue fines.
