“The situation is good, but developments remain uncertain,” said Virginie Masserey, head of the FOPH’s Infectious Diseases Section at a press briefing on Tuesday. The number of new cases has been stagnant for about two weeks in all regions of Switzerland at 160 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The number of hospitalisations is continuing to fall but is also showing signs of plateauing. Covid-related deaths are falling steadily and there is no longer any evidence of excess mortality among the over-65s.
The number of people with antibodies has risen sharply compared with the first wave, and in some cantons it is as high as 20-25%, said Milo Puhan of the University of Zurich, referring to the Corona Immunitas programme, which analyses immunity in the Swiss population. This is evidence that the second wave has hit harder. Another interesting finding, particularly from the point of view of fighting the virus, is that antibodies can still be detected in patients six months after infection.
Testing a priority
“Despite this comforting news, we must not forget that the pandemic is not over and that the situation is still very fragile and uncertain,” warned Anne Lévy, director of the FOPH. The cases of new Covid variants continues to increase and now account for 68% of all new infections.
According to Masserey, this rise of new variants is the real unknown, and in other countries the stagnation phase was a prelude to further increases. She added that it is therefore particularly important for the population to comply with all protective measures, especially in view of the partial relaxation of restrictions since March 1.
The experts stressed the need to continue to test for the coronavirus, carry out adequate tracing to break the chains of contagion and vaccinate. They were in favour of mass testing in high-risk areas such as old-age homes or schools. The use of the SwissCovid app, which is used by almost two million people every day, also remains essential, they added.
Rapid saliva tests, which would increase the testing rate, are currently under consideration but are not yet authorised. Their use would also require adaptation of legislation.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
In Switzerland, New Year brings ‘burka ban’ and pension hikes
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
EU cuts aid to Hungary, Switzerland continues to pay
This content was published on
Earlier this year, the European Commission withdrew planned EU aid to Hungary because of violations of the rule of law. Switzerland shares the EU's doubts, but continues to pay its cohesion contribution to Hungary.
‘One million stars’ against poverty light up Swiss parliament square
This content was published on
Swiss charity Caritas lit thousands of candles on parliament square in Bern on Saturday evening to mark the "A Million Stars" solidarity campaign, a reminder that many people in Switzerland still live in poverty.
This content was published on
The Eurovision Song Contest shows are in high demand, with the result that profiteers are hoping to make a quick franc by buying up lots of tickets.
Former Swiss finance minister slams report on Credit Suisse collapse
This content was published on
Former Swiss Finance Minister Ueli Maurer has criticised a parliamentary report on UBS's takeover of Credit Suisse, rejecting accusations that he hid the seriousness of the situation from the government.
This content was published on
Researchers in Zurich have developed an electricity-free dehumidifier. It is a building element that allows walls and ceilings to absorb moisture from the air and store it temporarily.
Swiss man found dead in Iranian prison had allegedly collected soil samples
This content was published on
The Swiss man who died in an Iranian prison is said to have secretly taken soil samples beforehand, according to Iranian media.
This content was published on
Hackers have attacked the Swiss federal administration. Among other things, telephones, email and various federal websites and specialist applications were affected.
More and more Swiss celebrities and institutions leaving X
This content was published on
The short messaging service X has also lost its reputation in Switzerland. More and more personalities and institutions are turning their backs on tech billionaire Elon Musk's platform.
‘Long Covid’ sufferers fight for help and recognition
This content was published on
Long Covid: In the UK there are special clinics for sufferers. But in Switzerland they are still fighting for help and recognition.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.