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The press conference is over
“Is this the second wave?” Asks a journalist. “We can only say that later,” says Virginie Masserey, head of the infection control section at FOPH.
With this, the journalists’ question and answer session ends, and with it the point de press. Thanks for your attention. Here in the ticker you can still find everything you need to know about the coronavirus.
Martin Ackermann on aerosols
A journalist asks a question about the role of aerosols in virus transmission. Martin Ackermann of the Covid-19 Working Group says: In the summer it seemed clear that the largest droplets were the main carriers. However, recent studies suggested that aerosols are more involved than expected. This issue is currently being addressed.
Cooperation between hospitals
A journalist asks about the situation in the hospitals and the cooperation between the hospitals.
Rudolf Hauri, President of the Cantonal Medical Association (VKS): The exchange of information between hospitals works. For example, patients may be relocated within Switzerland if the virus spreads particularly widely in one region.
Regarding the situation in hospitals, Hauri says the number of hospitalizations could increase, but the course could be less severe. But you just don’t know exactly yet.
Civil protection officer to locate contacts?
Question from a journalist: Are people who perform community service increasingly used to locate contacts?
Rudolf Hauri, president of the Cantonal Medical Association (VKS): Currently there are individual civil guards and those who do community service. But they would need training. “Due to the limitation in service, they also need to be replaced over and over again.”
Cantons want the federal government to have uniform rules for mask requirements
During the current press conference, the cantonal health directors conference issued a press release. The federal mosaic of masks will be eliminated. The GDK asks the federal government to create and enforce uniform rules in this and other areas.
the Cantons specifically require a general mask requirement in publicly accessible indoor spaces, the restriction of public and private gatherings and the recommendation to work from home whenever possible. The maximum numbers should ensure that the normal life of family and friends continues to be possible, the message says.
To limit the frequency and intensity of contacts, the GDK also recommends that the cantons tighten the requirements for bars, clubs and discos and, if necessary, order their closure. As an example of more stringent requirements, curfew hours are listed.
Rudolf Hauri on the situation in hospitals
“Shouldn’t hospitals think again about what interventions can be postponed when there are more Covid cases in clinics?” Asks a journalist. The president of VKS, Rudolf Hauri, assures: “Yes, you make these considerations and you are already working with scenarios, these are proven”.
Does Switzerland have enough masks?
A journalist asks if Switzerland has enough masks.
Masserey responds that the cantons have been urged to stock up. But he couldn’t tell if those supplies actually existed. You have to ask the cantons that.
Rudolf Hauri: “Contact tracing still works, but it is delayed”
“What about contact tracing, is it under control?” Asks a journalist. Rudolf Hauri responds: “It still works, but it is delayed, it does not work everywhere in all facets.” People are not always contacted quickly enough, but contact tracing continues.
Why are the numbers increasing so fast?
A journalist asks why things are going so fast now and why they were so surprised by the increase in numbers.
Martin Ackermann, chair of the national Covid-19 task force, explains that the rise in numbers is due in part to the weather. “Also, people spend more time indoors. And the specific methods no longer work so well. “
Rudolf Hauri for indoor meetings
Rudolf Hauri from VKS emphasizes that small indoor gatherings have more influence on the infection rate than previously assumed.
Martin Ackermann on case development
“If we do nothing now, we will still have 12,000 new infections a day in two or three weeks, right?” Asks a journalist. Martin Ackermann responds: “If we do nothing for a week, we will have 6,000 cases a day next week.” In two weeks today we would have 12,000 cases a day. Factor 4 applies in two weeks.
When does the health system hit?
A journalist asks: “If things continue as they are, when will the health system end?”
Martin Ackermann, chair of the national Covid-19 task force, says he cannot answer this question directly.
Boris Zürcher: “The fall in GDP is massive”
Zürcher also comments on Seco’s forecasts: many would consider them overly optimistic, Zürcher said, but this forecast is based on currently available data. Today we have indicators that would only be reflected in 3 to 4 months. “The fall in GDP is massive,” says the director of Seco.
Boris Zürcher: Reduced working hours increased from 12 to 18 months
Boris Zürcher, head of the Seco Labor Directorate, summarizes the current situation in the labor market: Emergency measures in the field of unemployment insurance have been reduced to the previous state. The following applies to companies: Reduced working hours were increased from 12 to 18 months. There is no short-time work for students. So far, 7.7 billion Swiss francs have been paid for short-time work.
Law enforcement agencies would be challenged, but they would do well, according to Zürcher.
If the situation worsens, some of the measures taken in March could be reactivated, even without an extraordinary situation. These measures are known.
Surprised by the speed of spread
Rudolf Hauri, president of the Cantonal Medical Association (VKS), took the floor. “We were not expecting this rate of expansion.” There are problems with contact tracing. Not all infected people could be traced. Therefore, it is important that those affected appear in person at the contact tracing offices.
Regarding the measures: “Home Office is a good keyword,” says Hauri. Additionally, restrictions on events and skins could also play a role.
It is encouraging that hospitals are now better prepared than they were in the spring.
Ackermann recommends home office and full masking requirements
The national Covid-19 task force is concerned, says Martin Ackermann of the task force. The numbers are a shock, but also an opportunity. Ten people infected an average of 15 more. Therefore, doing nothing is not an option: the damage to society, the health system and the economy would be enormous. You have to avoid further increase. According to Ackermann, existing measures cannot contain the epidemic.
“Additional measures are needed,” says Ackermann. The advantage over spring: now you know what works, even keeping your distance and wearing a mask. Indoor infections, in particular, are food for thought. The task force recommendation: home office and a nationwide mask requirement. Every day counts, says Ackermann.
“The situation is serious”
Virginie Masserey, Head of the Infection Control Section at FOPH, opens the press conference. Masserey notes that new infections are increasing dramatically, as are hospitalizations.
The situation is dire. “Although the new infections mainly affect the young, the numbers are increasing in all age groups.” Every measure is important. There is no single measure, Masserey explains. The population must avoid contact and keep their distance.
BAG press conference at 2pm
Today at 2 pm, the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) and other experts will provide information on the situation with the coronavirus at a press point. We will broadcast the press conference live on SRF Info and here on the stream. The following people provide information:
- Virginie Masserey, Head of the Infection Control Section at FOPH
- Rudolf Hauri, President of the Cantonal Medical Association (VKS)
- Martin Ackermann, Chairman of the National Covid-19 Task Force
- Boris Zürcher, Head of Seco’s Labor Directorate, Head of Seco
Obwalden expands mask requirement
On Monday, the Canton of Obwalden is introducing the mandatory use of masks for publicly accessible interiors, such as shops, post offices and bank branches, cultural institutions, places of worship or administrative buildings. The obligation also applies to open air markets. In restaurant operations, staff must don a mask.
The small canton of central Switzerland has registered 47 new cases of Covid-19 since Monday.
Nidwalden tightened the measures
In Nidwalden, a mask must be worn starting Monday for public and private events with more than 50 people. For smaller occasions or in shops and restaurants with standing consumption, it is only necessary to wear a mask if the distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained.
