The asylum system needs more space in these times

In order to isolate suspected cases of Covid-19 in asylum accommodation in Zug, the canton has rented additional premises.

"The people we host actually have more experience in dealing with such situations than we do." The head of the cantonal social welfare office, Jris Bischof, speaks of the almost 320 asylum seekers who are currently housed in the Steinhausen transit station, in the former cantonal hospital and in two other large collective accommodations.

Both asylum seekers and refugee workers, as well as the staff, are experienced in dealing with crises and illnesses. "My people work in an area where you are constantly confronted with communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis or norovirus. For all of us, however, the handling of Covid-19 is new, as this virus was previously unknown."

That’s why the rules in the asylum centres are the same as those that apply as in old-age centres or institutions for the disabled: increased hygiene measures and a current ban on visits. It’s also normal procedure for us that all doorknobs, as well as handrails and surfaces that are regularly touched, are disinfected every hour during times of increased risk of infection, explains Bishop. Here, too, this is handled in the same way as in other institutions when communicable diseases are circulating.

Increased hygienic measures also apply in the Steinhausen transit station.

"It’s important to inform and educate the people we are looking after – over and over again – as well as an appeal to personal responsibility," says Bishop. "As soon as they understand it, the vast majority adhere to the rules." The ongoing clarification of the behavioural measures adopted by the Confederation is made easily feasible with the help of the very simple, but clear pictograms from the federal government. In addition, translations of the most important information into the most common languages were obtained from the Asylum Organisation Zurich (AOZ).

Wide corridors make it possible to keep a distance

The space condition rules are solved pragmatically. "If three unrelated people are now sleeping in one room and we can't keep the two metre separation, we try to place one person in another room, or consider moving him/her to another accommodation." Families should be kept together as long as there is no suspicion of infection. In addition, the facilities and corridors in both Steinhausen and Zug are sufficiently wide, so that it is possible to avoid getting too close”, explains Jris Bischof:

"The space conditions are optimal for keep a correct separation, especially in the corridors of the former cantonal hospital, which, as a hospital operation, was designed so that two beds could easily be pushed past each other."

If there is a suspicion of Covid-19, the procedure is clearly regulated. The affected persons are housed externally and alone. A floor in an older property could be rented for this purpose – as further floors are available. Persons belonging to the risk group are also moved whenever possible. But there have fortunately been no confirmed Covid-19 cases so far. The decision as to whether a test is necessary is made by the competent medical profession and is based on the federal guidelines., The situation is difficult for the staff, however. "They have to work on site, while many of their colleagues can use home office facilities." The stock of protective masks has been increased in the meantime, however. "But these are only worn during work in which employees have to come close to other people."

Everything else is done without protective masks – "as is still the case in bakeries or grocery stores". The fact that her employees work so reliably and with such commitment is praised by the department head Jris Bischof: "I'm proud of our people. Despite their own fears, they are present in the accommodations and are doing a great job."