Swiss Covid-19 crisis management gets thumbs up from experts
The crisis management of the Swiss health authorities has been given generally good marks by a panel of experts. But their report criticises the country's level of preparedness and certain restrictive measures during the pandemic.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
Português
pt
Gestão da crise da Swiss Covid considerada “basicamente boa”.
The expert reportExternal link published on Tuesday said that the national and the cantonal governments had “essentially coped well” during the pandemic and that their policies had been adequate.
However, the experts criticised the authorities for not being fully prepared for the crisis. They added that the closure of schools from March to May in 2020 was unnecessary.
More criticism was levelled at the authorities for limiting access to old people’s homes, as well as for banning certain surgeries in hospitals.
A lack of a digital strategy for the crisis management and a shortage of protective material, notably hygiene face masks, was also highlighted in the reportExternal link.
The Swiss government came in for special criticism, including its decision to delegate the crisis management to the 26 cantons in summer 2020.
The experts noted that the high quality of the Swiss health system had been assured during the first phase of the pandemic and the anti-Covid restrictions had been accepted by large sections of the population.
The eight-week national lockdown in 2020 was also considered judicious, the experts said.
The study was compiled by representatives of research institutes, consultancies, universities and a law firm.
It was commissioned by the health office and covered the period from March 2020 to July 2021 but does not include the second year of the pandemic.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
French cross-border workers in Switzerland fear “discriminatory” unemployment reform
This content was published on
In the French region around Geneva, cross-border workers are protesting proposals to cut unemployment benefits for those working in Switzerland.
Swan infected with bird flu in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland has reported its first bird flu case of the season. A swan found dead in central Switzerland tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Swiss researchers identify gene variants linked to cancer progression
This content was published on
ETH Zurich researchers explored genetic mutations’ effects on cell function and their role in cancer development and treatment using CRISPR/Cas techniques.
Explosion at Swiss company Givaudan’s US plant leaves two dead
This content was published on
Swiss flavour and fragrance maker Givaudan reported that an explosion at its Kentucky plant resulted in two deaths and several injuries.
Swisscom’s Vodafone Italia takeover cleared by Italian telecoms authority
This content was published on
Swisscom is one step closer to its planned acquisition of Vodafone Italia, as the Italian communications regulator has approved the €8 billion deal.
Swiss parliamentary committee proposes foreign aid cuts and military funding boost
This content was published on
A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has proposed increasing funds for the military and agriculture while reducing foreign aid and asylum.
Swiss Rolex Submariner watches reach nearly $50 billion in total market value
This content was published on
The total market value of all Rolex Submariner watches ever made is nearly $50 billion, based on newly released production data.
Swiss Jew wrongfully detained due to prosecutor’s ‘bias’
This content was published on
A Jewish Swiss man was detained after the prosecutor argued he might flee to Israel. The Federal Court said this implies bias due to his Jewish faith.
US reportedly scrutinises Russian accounts UBS took over from Credit Suisse
This content was published on
The US is investigating Russian clients acquired by UBS during its takeover of Credit Suisse, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
WTO plans to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala before Trump swears in
This content was published on
Some member states of the World Trade Organization may seek to reappoint Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to a document released on Tuesday.
Covid entry requirements at Swiss border return to normal on May 2
This content was published on
On Monday May 2 Switzerland will lift all remaining Covid-related entry requirements for travellers entering the country, regardless of their country of origin.
How the virus puts the Swiss political system to test
This content was published on
The coronavirus epidemic allows a privileged insight into the balance of power between Switzerlrand's national and the regional authorities.
Covid-19 science taskforce rejects accusations of alarmism
This content was published on
The scientific taskforce has said it stands by estimates that Switzerland’s intensive care units could reach their limits.
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.