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QUARANTINE

Switzerland to cut quarantine period for vaccinated and extend current measures

Switzerland will shorten the obligatory quarantine for anyone testing positive for Covid to five days, while extending the current measures until at least March. The duration of immunity for the Covid certificate will also be shortened.

Swiss Interior and Health Minister Alain Berset gestures during a press conference.. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Swiss Interior and Health Minister Alain Berset gestures during a press conference.. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Switzerland on Wednesday announced a range of changes to the existing Covid measures. 

As had been widely reported ahead of the announcement, the Covid quarantine period for positive cases was shortened from the current ten days to five for vaccinated and recovered people. 

People can leave quarantine after five days, provided they are symptom free for 48 hours. Based on the new advice, it does not appear a person needs to test negative – although the government has been contacted for a confirmation on this question. 

EXPLAINED: Why did Switzerland relax Covid quarantine rules?

The quarantine change applies both to people who have tested positive and those who have had close contact with someone who has tested positive. 

“Close contact” will also be redefined. Now it will not include everyone someone with Covid has had contact with, but will be limited to the people they live with and people who had “regular and close” contact with a person who tested positive. 

The close contact quarantine will not apply to people who have had a booster in the past four months, but it will apply to those who have had two doses.

The unvaccinated will need to remain in quarantine for the original ten days. 

Cantons can decide to grant exemption to the quarantine rules. 

The duration of immunity under the rules of Switzerland’s Covid certificate will be reduced from one year to 270 days, i.e. nine months.

This is due to the belief that immunity due either to vaccination or recovery declines earlier than previously thought. 

The 270-day requirement applies to those who are fully vaccinated or to people who have previously had the virus.

This shortening of the time period for the validity of the Covid certificate will apply from February 1st, as with the EU’s rules for international travel. 

The current Covid measures, which are outlined in the link below, will also be extended. 

EXPLAINED: What are Switzerland’s current Covid measures?

While they were set to expire on January 24th, they will now be extended until March 31st. 

The government said the extension was necessary due to the situation in the country’s hospitals. 

Amid skyrocketing infection rates, the Swiss government said it had prepared additional measures which could be implemented quickly and immediately if the situation required it. 

“Should the situation in hospitals deteriorate significantly, the Federal Council can still act swiftly by imposing stricter measures such as the closure of facilities and institutions or by limiting capacity at large-scale events, regardless of the consultation,” the government said in a press release

The government is currently in consultation with experts and the cantons about these and further measures, including tighter mask rules and a change in testing rules.

This consultation will last until the 17th of January, however those listed here are expected to apply. 

For the full list of changes announced you can visit the government site HERE.

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COVID-19 VACCINES

Switzerland’s Covid vaccine programme to restart in autumn

Amid expectations of a further wave of the virus, on Monday, Switzerland's Office of Public Health (BAG) is set to issue new recommendations for people in certain at-risk groups to have vaccinations against Covid-19.

Switzerland's Covid vaccine programme to restart in autumn

According to research carried out by Swiss news weekly Weltwoche and CH Media, the Federal Office of Public Health and the Federal Commission for Vaccination Issues will recommend that those over 65, and people over 16 with “increased individual health risks because of a pre-existing condition or Trisomy 21” are vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine. Pregnant women should also be vaccinated in the autumn.

The government clearly wants to be prepared. According to internal documents, authorities are ordering 1.3 million vaccines doses from each of manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer. In addition, a delivery from Novavax and another from Moderna are expected in October, according to CH Media.

The official announcement is expected this Monday and the BAG will also make it clear that the vaccination should only be given “after the treating doctor has assessed the individual risks and benefits”. 

It was only announced on Monday that from September to December, those living in Zurich would once again be able to get tested for Covid-19 free of charge. This offer applies to all residents of the city of Zurich who are either symptomatic or who have had contact with a person who has tested positive. 

Those who don’t have symptoms, who haven’t been in contact with people who have tested positive for the virus or who need a test for travel purposes will still have to pay for the test. 

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