Switzerland’s pandemic strategic has been criticised by a World Health Organisation (WHO) expert who has witnessed a lack of support for some people infected by Covid-19 in the country.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
David Nabarro, special envoy to the WHO Director-General on Covid-19External link, says a “half-hearted” Europe as a whole is far behind Asia in controlling the spread of the pandemic. In an interview with the CH Media groupExternal link, Nabarro, who works out of Geneva, said Switzerland is among the countries that relaxed too soon and failed to adequately prepare for a second wave.
Nabarro cites a Swiss friend who struggled to get treatment when he fell seriously ill with the virus. The problem lies with inadequate support structures in local communities, which can better give people vital information, monitor the population and act quickly if outbreaks occur, he said.
This network should include churches, schools, local companies, sports and social groups.
“The reaction in Europe was insufficient,” Nabarro said. “There was a failure to build the necessary infrastructure in the summer months after getting the first wave under control. And now there is a second wave. If the necessary infrastructure is not built now, there will be a third wave, early next year.”
“Switzerland has such high case numbers, especially French-speaking Switzerland, that a much more robust strategy is needed from the authorities, together with residents.”
Another difference he has observed between Europe and Asia is that Asian citizens are better at complying with the distancing, mask-wearing and hygiene measures that are needed to keep the virus under control.
Nabarro dismissed suggestions that this might lead to heightened surveillance of citizens or that policy has to choose between health and the economy.
“The challenge for many Western European countries is to get the virus under control again without having to resort to a lockdown. Because it is an extremely crude instrument. You pay a high price for it. Lockdowns are the last resort, a sign of failure.”
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
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.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss pandemic response subject to mixed global scrutiny
This content was published on
Switzerland opted against a lockdown when the second wave of the pandemic struck. Numbers of positive cases have fallen in the last week, but deaths continue to rise and many hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of seriously ill patients. “Our research shows that Switzerland’s image abroad is very stable and…
Swiss health officials call for more Covid-19 testing
This content was published on
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases is falling, but so is the number of people being tested. The health authorities have sounded the alarm.
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.