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Vaud joins other Swiss cantons in implementing stricter Covid-19 measures

After Geneva, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, and Jura, the canton of Vaud has mandated new restrictions on Tuesday to curb the spread of the coronavirus on its territory.

Published: 4 November 2020 10:07 CET
Vaud joins other Swiss cantons in implementing stricter Covid-19 measures
Vaud's restrictions are less stringent than other cantons'. Photo by AFP

Cantonal authorities ordered the new measures “in view of the acceleration of infections and their burden on the healthcare system.” 

Just like in the other French-speaking cantons, new rules include the closure of bars, restaurants, museums, cinemas, theaters, fitness centres, and sports facilities from Wednesday 5 pm until November 30th. 

Public and private meetings are permitted for up to five people. Schools will remain open.

Vaud’s restrictions go beyond those implemented on the national level on October 29th, but they are not as strict as the ones in force in Geneva.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Geneva’s coronavirus shutdown 

In that canton, only ‘essential businesses’ like grocery stores and pharmacies are open, while Vaud is allowing all shops, as well as wellness and personal care services such as hairdressers to continue to operate.

Vaud’s measures are more aligned with those implemented in Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Jura.

Vaud’s Economy Minister Philippe Leuba explained that non-essential businesses are kept open, as it is important  to find “a balance” between health and economic needs. 

He added that health authorities had not detected any coronavirus outbreaks in these sectors, “because rules are well followed.” 

 

 

 

 

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COVID-19

What you need to know about the new Covid-19 wave in Switzerland

When the pandemic was winding down two years ago, health authorities warned that while the worst was over, Covid will keep re-emerging, in one form or another, in the future.

Published: 19 July 2024 11:45 CEST
What you need to know about the new Covid-19 wave in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the number of laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases has increased by around 50 percent over the last four weeks, according to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).  

Add to it the undeclared cases, and that figure is even higher.

“The number of positive tests is climbing, and further increases cannot be ruled out,” FOPH said.

Overall, however, the number of infections remains low.

Why is Covid still around in Switzerland?

As epidemiologists predicted, coronavirus will keep mutating, with different strains emerging over time.

Covid’s new variants, KP.2 and KP.3, are currently circulating throughout the country, causing the number of cases to go up.

That’s because the latest variants spread fast and are particularly resistant to antibodies — which means that whatever immunity you may have built up through previous infections or vaccinations are not sufficient to stop new infections.

What are the symptoms?

The most common ones are similar to those of seasonal flu — that is, cough, fever, headache, muscle pain, cold, sore throat, as well as tiredness.

But just as with the previous bouts, some people will experience milder symptoms, while others more severe ones.

For the time being, these variants have not caused serious developments in most people, and only a small number have required hospitalisation.

What should you do if symptoms appear?

If you do become infected, FOPH recommends avoiding contact with other people, especially those who are particularly at risk of complications.

Measures imposed by the government during earlier outbreaks, such as isolation and quarantine, are not necessary at this point — though health authorities say that, similarly to to previous bouts, you should wear a mask and keep your distance.

And if you are in a high-risk group, contact your doctor immediately.

Should you get (re)vaccinated?

Ask your doctor about that.

Compulsory basic insurance will pay for the vaccine for high-risk people, and possibly their carertakers, based on doctor’s recommendations.

Others must pay for the shot out of their pockets. A dose costs around 100 francs.

Should you cancel your vacation if you test positive?

It is up to you and your own sense of responsibility.

“It would be best to cancel the flight immediately,” said Christiane Meier, vice-president of the Association of Cantonal Doctors. If you decide to go anyway, “wear a mask and keep your distance,” she added.
 
Should we expect a further increase in the number of cases after the holidays?

According to FOPH, it is not yet possible to know for sure, though this possibility can’t be excluded.

Swiss health authorities are constantly monitoring the evolution, but are not making any predictions for the moment.

What they do say is that though new variants spread fast and resist immunity, “there is no reason to panic at this stage.”

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