Corona virus: Canton focusing on the protection of particularly vulnerable people

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has issued recommendations on combating the corona virus on Monday. In particular, endangered people are to be protected. The canton of Zug has been consistently implementing these recommendations since Monday, and, in particular, is in close contact with the organisations and institutions concerned.

The BAG's adapted strategy focuses on the protection of particularly vulnerable people. This includes people over the age of 65 or people with certain pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. Measures have also been taken to protect these population groups in the canton of Zug.

Two information events have already taken place in the past few days, to which representatives of municipalities, nursing homes and the medical profession have been invited. The health authorities presented the latest recommendations of the BAG (Bundesamt für Gesundheit =  Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)) and discussed their implementation in practice. This close exchange enables the canton and partners to clarify open questions at an early stage and achieve a coordinated approach. "The aim is always to protect the population," said health director Pfister. "At the same time, the measures taken must not be disproportionate - visits to nursing homes are generally still possible."

In accordance with the recommendations of the BAG, not all suspected cases are being tested in the Canton of Zug from this week. Tests are only necessary for people who have severe symptoms, or who have an increased risk of complications. In addition, tests will continue to be carried out on health professionals and nursing home staff with mild respiratory diseases. From Monday, the tests can be carried out in the canton's medical practices, whereby it is imperative to register in advance by telephone.

The Zug authorities has informed the affected organisations about the recommendations of the BAG: (from left) Urs Marti (Head of Emergency Organisations), Government Councillor Martin Pfister (Health Director) and Cantonal Doctor Rudolf Hauri

All other people who experience symptoms of a possible respiratory illness (coughing/breathing difficulties and fever) should remain at home until 24 hours after the symptoms have subsided, and should only call their family doctor or, if the family doctor cannot be reached, the emergency health services if their health deteriorates. "By focusing on people at risk, we can pool our resources and ensure capacities for more serious cases," explains cantonal doctor Rudolf Hauri.

Even though the focus is on particularly vulnerable people in combating coronavirus, everyone can still make a contribution: by complying with the BAG's known hygiene rules. Young and healthy people are less at risk from the disease, but they can play a role in transmission. "We therefore also appeal to solidarity with people at risk: By observing a few simple basic rules, they can be protected," explains Pfister.

In addition to regular hand washing, it is particularly important that sick people consistently stay at home. In addition, a distance of at least two metres from other people should always be maintained where possible, for example when queuing or in meetings. "If we all follow these rules on our own responsibility, the spread of the virus can be slowed down," adds Pfister.

The number of confirmed cases in the canton of Zug has meanwhile increased to eleven. It has still been possible to isolate everyone in their homes, as the general health of the infected persons is otherwise good.