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HEALTH

MAPS: Where are Switzerland’s coronavirus hotspots?

This map shows the coronavirus cases over the past 14 days in Switzerland.

Published: 6 October 2020 19:45 CEST
Updated: 18 November 2020 15:36 CET
MAPS: Where are Switzerland's coronavirus hotspots?
Are events to blame for rising infection rates? Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

On Wednesday November 18th, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) detected a total of 6114 new cases over the past 24 hours. 

There were 85 deaths and 261 hospital admissions nationwide. 

The new numbers came from 30,229 tests – meaning there was a 20.2 percent test positivity rate – another major concern for Swiss authorities. 

 

 

 

The Health Directors’ Conference (GDK) told 20 Minutes that the “unstable” situation indicated people may not be complying with the rules. 

“We still have to be very attentive and, first and foremost, ensure that hygiene and distance rules are observed,” a spokesperson said. 

The following map shows the new infections per 100,000 residents up until Tuesday, November 10th (scroll over for numbers and canton name). 

 

 

READ How does Switzerland decide a country is 'high risk'? 

German-speaking Switzerland now also hit

In the early days of the pandemic, Latin Switzerland – i.e. the French and Italian-speaking regions – were much more heavily hit than the German-speaking parts of the country. 

Coronavirus in Switzerland: Why have the French and Italian-speaking regions been so hard hit? 

In July and August, Geneva and Vaud bore the brunt of rising infections – while most of German-speaking Switzerland avoided the worst of the pandemic. 

As can be seen through the new numbers however, cases are rising throughout the central, northern and Eastern parts of the country – all of which are primarily German-speaking. 

Ticino, which borders Italy and at one point had the highest number of deaths and infections, has been comparatively spared as at mid-October. 

Why are infections increasing?

Marcel Tanner from the Swiss Government's federal task force, said a major reason was complacency. 

“People are struggling more and more to consistently adhere to the measures. In addition, mobility and – especially during the autumn holidays – travel activity in the country itself has increased.”

Epidemiologist Emma Hodcroft told 20 Minutes that declining temperatures may be behind the rising rates. 

“In the last week and a half, the temperatures have dropped significantly. I wouldn't be surprised if this changed people's behaviour,” she said. 

“You meet more friends inside, close the windows and heat the interior. All of this could lead to a higher risk of infection.”

 

 

 

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For members

HEALTH

How difficult is it to change your doctor in Switzerland?

If you already have a GP doctor in Switzerland but, for some reason, need or want to switch, how easy is it to do so?

Published: 8 July 2024 15:59 CEST
Updated: 8 September 2024 05:47 CEST
How difficult is it to change your doctor in Switzerland?

There are a number of reasons why you may want to leave your GP and find a new one.

Maybe you don’t like their bedside manner, are not happy with the medical care, or are simply moving away and need to find someone closer to your new home.

Whatever the reason, whether or not you can easily switch from one doctor to another depends on the kind of health insurance you have.

Different models, different rights

If you have the ‘standard’ — and typically the most expensive — type of the obligatory health insurance (KVG / LaMal), then you are free to switch your GPs at will, and you don’t have to inform the insurance carrier of the switch.

However, if you have opted for one of the cheaper insurance models, then your right to switch doctors may be limited:

Family doctor model’

It is the most popular in Switzerland (and 20 percent cheaper than standard insurance policy premiums).

Under this model, you have a family doctor who will manage your care — that is, treat you or send you to specialists if needed (with the exception of gynecologists and eye doctors, who don’t require a referral).

You can’t, however, change doctors at will, unless your insurance company approves the switch.

Telemedicine model

If you have opted for the Telemed formula, you must call a health hotline set up by your insurance company.

They will give you a referral to a doctor or hospital based on your symptoms.
 
Heath Maintainance Organisation (HMO)

Under this model, policyholders are required to consult a particular HMO practice. Two disadvantages of this alternative is a limited choice of doctors and you also need a referral to see a specialist.

So the only option that gives you the right to switch doctors with no hassle is the standard one, with the family doctor model also possibly allowing you to do so, under certain circumstances.

The way Telmed and HMO are set up, however, switching doctors is not possible. If that option is important to you, then you will have to switch to the (more expensive) standard insurance.

The only exception to the above restrictions are emergencies, when you need urgent medical treatment.

Assuming you have the standard model, how do you go about changing?

The process is pretty simple: you can find physicians in your area either through recommendations from people you know (which is the best way to ensure you will not be getting an ‘anonymous’ doctor) or, if no recommendations are available, then through the OneDoc platform, which lists which doctors are taking new patients and where.

You can then make an appointment directly online.

When you do so, ask your current physician’s office to transfer your file to the new doc.

You don’t need to explain the reasons for the switch.
 
READ ALSO: The essential Swiss websites you need to use for health matters 
 

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