Thread by @CoronaEnglish

(Thread)
Federal Coronavirus Press Conference 6.01.2021
#CoronaInfoCH #COVID19 #Schweiz #Switzerland

Alain Berset: «The situation, we have to be honest, is not good. It's actually bad. The numbers are difficult to interpret because of the holiday season, but one thing is clear: they are still too high."

Regarding the new mutations: "It seems that the mutations are not more dangerous, but they spread quickly." He points to the UK, where the mutation has led to a large increase in cases.

Regarding vaccinations: «It's a positive outlook for 2021, but vaccination won't solve all of our problems. It is important that we remember that the pandemic is a marathon. We are not there yet, even if it is getting more difficult for people the longer. "

"We have to do everything to reduce the number of cases. The case is similar to a year ago. At that time we already knew from China that the coronavirus was circulating. The same now applies to the mutation from Great Britain. We must do everything we can to avoid a third wave."

The current measures are to be extended for another five weeks – until the end of February.
The final decision will be made on January 13th. The Federal Council wants to consult the cantons beforehand. "In our opinion, the reopening is not possible on January 23," says Berset.

"The extension of this period with stricter measures will also affect financial aid programmes of course"

Another change: After the 9th of January no canton can have exceptional rules according to the R-factor. All cantons will have the same measures and rules.

Berset further emphasizes: «We cannot rest on the fact that we have now started the vaccinations. It's still important that we stick to the rules: distance, reduce contact, and - very important - get tested if you have symptoms. The tests are important and free."

An easing of the situation and the measures is currently not in sight, says Berset. "We will check next week whether new measures are necessary," said Berset.

"We have no plans to close the schools," says Berset. “That is the job of the cantons. But if final closings could make sense, we will tell the cantons to prepare. "

“We actually wanted to halve the number every two weeks, but we still have 5000 infections a day. This is the same as in early December. And the positivity rate is increasing, that's a bad sign", says Berset.

Berset says that we will get more news on how the country supports businesses (especially gastronomy) within the extension of the gastronomy lockdown.

How far is Switzerland with the approval of the Moderna vaccine?
“Swissmedic carries out this authorization. I wouldn't be surprised if that happened really quickly, ”says Berset.

Is the council also planning further restrictions in ski resorts?

“The same applies to restaurants throughout Switzerland,” says Berset. "But skiing is basically an outdoor activity. If we limit that, we would also have to limit jogging in the forest."

Jounralist asks Berset, if the council wasn't worried about the high death rate in Switzerland.

“That worries us a lot,” says Berset. "But it is clear that in a situation like this, we will never have 0 deaths."

Why aren't tests free for people without symptoms?
“A lot more testing would be an advantage,” says Berset. “If asymptomatic people do a rapid test, the result is not reliable. But it would be good if everyone could be tested with symptoms....

"But it's not just testing that lowers the number of infections," says Masserey. “It's the other measures that are also important. Even if we test more, the other measures will remain." (Lol, 10 min before Berset pushed so much for testing)

Why is the Council sticking to its 'Half Lockdown'?
Berset: "We try to fight the problems for our country". “But it's important that we can breathe a little, go outside. We could introduce stricter measures, but it's difficult to find a balance.

End of the press conference. Thanks for following!