Switzerland is targeting unvaccinated people with new COVID restrictions
The new measures come as authorities await the arrival of the highly mutated variant of Omicron, which is believed to be more contagious than previous strains.
The Swiss Minister of the Interior and Health Alain Berset speaks with gestures during a press conference on Covid-19 restrictions after a meeting of the Swiss government in Bern on December 3, 2021. Image: Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP
GENEVA – Switzerland will step up anti-COVID measures on Monday by working from home again and containing the unvaccinated as the country battles an intense fifth wave of the virus.
The new measures come as authorities await the arrival of the highly mutated variant of Omicron, which is believed to be more contagious than previous strains.
“Only vaccinated or cured people have access to the interiors of restaurants, cultural, sports and leisure facilities as well as indoor events,” said the Federal Council.
Private gatherings are limited to 10 people, including children, if anyone in the group is not vaccinated or has no evidence of recovery.
The measures are aimed at preventing new infections in unvaccinated people, “because they transmit the virus more easily and are more likely to face complications,” it said.
The vast majority of patients in the intensive care unit are also not vaccinated in Switzerland.
Health Minister Alain Berset told reporters that their number “tripled in a month and a half”.
As of Monday, Switzerland had at least 300 COVID patients in the intensive care unit, which she regards as a critical development.
“That number will rise to 350 or 400 by the end of the year,” the statement said.
More than 66% of the 8.6 million Swiss population are vaccinated, with Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations approved for use in the country.