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Coronavirus press conference, 20.04.2021, Switzerland
#CoronaInfoCH #Coronavirus #Switzerland #Covid19

The number of infections is stagnating slightly. "It is noticeable that there has been massively less testing since Easter," says Mathys. The R value has recently decreased, but since it is still above 1 at 1.1, the number of infections can still be expected to rise.

Mathys shows a comparison of the reported infection numbers and the wastewater data from Zurich. "It may be that the number of cases is underestimated," says Mathys.

Mathys is concerned that more and more young people are affected by Covid-19. The decline in the elderly could have something to do with the increasing vaccination coverage, says Mathys.

There is also a high increase in hospitalizations among younger people. “We currently have more young Covid patients in the hospital, not only proportionally but also in absolute terms. The number of hospitalizations is currently increasing. "

- Why this increase, especially in the intensive care places? “One possible explanation would be that younger people wait too long because they expect a mild course. Then they are taken straight to the intensive care unit. "

"An increase in the number of cases after Easter could not be observed," says Mathys. "Remain cautious and try to do your part to ensure that the situation at least remains as it is."

Switzerland has signed a contract with Roche for a promising drug against Covid-19. "The federal government bears the costs if they are not covered by the health insurance companies."

Vaccine:
"Last week we passed the 2 million inoculated doses threshold, this week we passed 3 million doses delivered"

“We're sticking to our schedule,” says Kronig. «We are on course, but we have to accompany our plan. Moderna has informed us that there will be a shift in the delivery dates. We will receive 200,000 fewer vaccine doses to be delivered by June. "

"We were very pleased about the approval application from Curevac, of which we have ordered 5 million cans," says Kronig. "And we are waiting for news from AstraZeneca."

New: people who have been fully vaccinated with mRNA vaccines are exempt from quarantine for six months from 14 days after the second vaccination, if they come into contact with a confirmed case. It is important that those who have been vaccinated will still get tested though.

The task force recommends wearing a mask and keeping your distance for all sporting and other activities where people come together.

Why did the number of cases not increase as much as assumed 3 weeks ago?
"The number of cases has actually not developed as expected. This is largely thanks to the population, who adhered to the rules well."

Has a technical solution been found for the vaccination certificate?
“The decision has not yet been made,” says Mathys.

Is it still realistic to vaccinate all those willing to vaccinate by June?
"We are on course," says Kronig. "Our goal of vaccinating all those willing to vaccinate in the first half of the year remains."

Why do wind musicians have to keep so much distance?
"As with singing, the point here is that aerosols are produced," says Mathys. "Hence the decision that the distance must be greater than in other settings."

Is the information about the deep sensitivity of the self-tests adjusted?
"We have always pointed out that the sensitivity of self-tests is low," says Mathys.

Has the epidemiological situation among children improved?
"At the beginning I showed that younger age categories are more affected," says Mathys. “But the situation has not developed in such a way that you have to pay special attention to the children.

Is India Coming On The Risk List Soon?
"India is under surveillance," says Mathys. “We know that there is this double mutation there. We are monitoring the situation and are advised by a committee. At the moment, the data situation is not sufficient to make reasonable statements"

Is Swissmedic more cautious than the European authorization authority?
“You can see it that way,” says Bolte. “Even if you look at what happened after the rapid approval in Europe. We may be stricter, but I'll leave that to others to judge. Our mantra is: Safety first. "

Will cantons that want to give company vaccinations be given additional doses?
"We are looking at how we can pursue this idea. Company vaccinations only make sense in large companies. That becomes an issue when large quantities of vaccines are available."

End of the press conference. Thanks for following!