Government information regarding the Corona virus COVID-19

Note: The links in this report refer to the website of the Federal Office for Public Heath FOPH, which is continually updated with the latest recommendations, including information in English : https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home.html

New coronavirus

The coronavirus can pose a serious risk to people over the age of 65 and to those with underlying medical conditions. New sets of recommendations – general and for the workplace – should help to protect these groups. Under this rubric, you will find information on this and the current situation, FAQs and recommendations for travellers.

Information for travellers

www.safetravel.ch
(in German or French)

Current situation in Switzerland

Confirmed in Switzerland

11.3.2020:
Switzerland recorded its fourth death attributed to the coronavirus; a 54-year-old man from the canton of Basel-Landschaft. The FOPH is in contact with the authorities of the Canton of Basel-Land.

11.3.2020, 12 pm:

Number of cases
Tested positive: 645
Confirmed: 613

Reports of diseases from: the cantons Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Basel Land, Basel Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Glarus, Graubünden, Jura, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, Nidwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Ticino, Thurgau, Vaud, Valais, Zug, Zurich and from the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Total number who have died: 4

• A 54-year-old man from the canton of Basel-Landschaft
• An 80-year-old lady from the canton of Ticino
• A 76-year-old man from the canton of Basel-Landschaft
• A 74-year-old lady from the canton of Vaud

The top priority for the Swiss Federal Council is the health of the public.

The aim should be to make sure that people are better protected from the novel coronavirus, especially those who are at a higher risk of becoming severely ill. We can all help by following the recommendations (both the new ones and those issued previously):

• Keep your distance – for example: Protect elderly people by keeping adequate distance from them; Keep your distance when queuing or waiting in line; Keep your distance at meetings.
• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm.
• If you have a high temperature and a cough, stay at home.
• Always call ahead before going to the doctor’s or the emergency department. 

You will find detailed information on the “Protect yourself and others” site or at www.foph-coronavirus.

Recommendations regarding self-isolation and self-quarantine

Not everyone carrying the coronavirus necessarily displays symptoms of the illness or feels ill. In order to stop the unhindered spread of the virus we need to act responsibly through self-isolation and self-quarantine.

Recommendations for the workplace

The new coronavirus can pose a serious threat to people over the age of 65 and younger people with pre-existing medical conditions. The recommendations for the workplace are aimed at helping to protect these groups.

Federal government measures

In view of the current situation and the spread of the coronavirus, the Federal Council has categorised the situation in Switzerland as special in terms of the Epidemics Act. Large-scale events involving more than 1,000 people are to be banned. The ban will apply at least until 15 March 2020. The cantonal authorities decide on events with less than 1,000 participants. Further information can be found under Federal government measures.

This measure should prevent or delay the spread of the disease in Switzerland, thus reducing its momentum.

No travel restrictions for entry into Switzerland

There are no travel restrictions for entry into Switzerland.

We wish all our readers the best of health in this emergency!
Please protect yourselves and others, and above all:

KEEP CALM!