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HEALTH

MAPS: Where are Switzerland’s coronavirus hotspots?

This map shows the coronavirus cases over the past 14 days in Switzerland.

Published: 6 October 2020 19:45 CEST
Updated: 18 November 2020 15:36 CET
MAPS: Where are Switzerland's coronavirus hotspots?
Are events to blame for rising infection rates? Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

On Wednesday November 18th, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) detected a total of 6114 new cases over the past 24 hours. 

There were 85 deaths and 261 hospital admissions nationwide. 

The new numbers came from 30,229 tests – meaning there was a 20.2 percent test positivity rate – another major concern for Swiss authorities. 

 

 

 

The Health Directors’ Conference (GDK) told 20 Minutes that the “unstable” situation indicated people may not be complying with the rules. 

“We still have to be very attentive and, first and foremost, ensure that hygiene and distance rules are observed,” a spokesperson said. 

The following map shows the new infections per 100,000 residents up until Tuesday, November 10th (scroll over for numbers and canton name). 

 

 

READ How does Switzerland decide a country is 'high risk'? 

German-speaking Switzerland now also hit

In the early days of the pandemic, Latin Switzerland – i.e. the French and Italian-speaking regions – were much more heavily hit than the German-speaking parts of the country. 

Coronavirus in Switzerland: Why have the French and Italian-speaking regions been so hard hit? 

In July and August, Geneva and Vaud bore the brunt of rising infections – while most of German-speaking Switzerland avoided the worst of the pandemic. 

As can be seen through the new numbers however, cases are rising throughout the central, northern and Eastern parts of the country – all of which are primarily German-speaking. 

Ticino, which borders Italy and at one point had the highest number of deaths and infections, has been comparatively spared as at mid-October. 

Why are infections increasing?

Marcel Tanner from the Swiss Government's federal task force, said a major reason was complacency. 

“People are struggling more and more to consistently adhere to the measures. In addition, mobility and – especially during the autumn holidays – travel activity in the country itself has increased.”

Epidemiologist Emma Hodcroft told 20 Minutes that declining temperatures may be behind the rising rates. 

“In the last week and a half, the temperatures have dropped significantly. I wouldn't be surprised if this changed people's behaviour,” she said. 

“You meet more friends inside, close the windows and heat the interior. All of this could lead to a higher risk of infection.”

 

 

 

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HEALTH INSURANCE

Could glasses and contact lenses soon be covered by Swiss health insurance?

The Swiss health system is ranked among the best in the world, but some essentials, like glasses, aren't automatically covered by health insurance. That could soon change, however

Published: 16 May 2024 15:06 CEST
Could glasses and contact lenses soon be covered by Swiss health insurance?

Green Party Federal Councillor Katharina Prelicz-Huber revealed in an interview with newspaper 20 Minuten this week that the Federal Parliament had tabled a motion to include prescription glasses and contact lenses in Switzerland’s mandatory health insurance scheme. 

Prelicz-Huber stated: “The purpose of compulsory health insurance is to provide the services you need to get or stay healthy,”

The motion forms part of the legislation that will be voted on during the 2024 summer session of the Federal Council. 

Proposed changes 

According to Switzerland’s peak optician body, 4 in 5 Swiss wear glasses or contact lenses at some point. 

It’s no surprise that statistics repository, Statista, projects the Swiss eyewear industry to be worth €1.37 billion by 2028. 

Currently, glasses and contact lenses are covered for up to 180 francs for children until age eighteen, if they are proscribed by a doctor.

Adults can also claim money back for glasses and contact lenses – however, they must be suffering from one of a short list of specific conditions such as keratoconus – where the cornea is distorted – or severe myopia, otherwise known as near-sightedness.

They must also have been specifically prescribed them by a doctor or optometrist. 

Otherwise, supplemental optical insurance must be purchased in Switzerland to ensure you can recoup the cost. 

Under the Green Party proposal, glasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids would be covered, regardless of age. 

Rising premiums prompt opposition 

Not everybody agrees with the proposal. 

The right-wing SVP has already spoken out against it, with Federal Councillor Diana Gutjahr arguing: “If we seriously want to slow down the burdensome and constantly rising health costs for the benefit of the population, we [must] show the political will not to constantly expand the benefits of compulsory health insurance.”

A spokesman for the the health insurance advocacy group Santesuisse, Matthias Müller, echoed Gutjahr, claiming that insurance constitutes “financing for extraordinary events such as illness.”

“If almost everyone benefits from a certain service, it is no longer an insurance benefit.”

A date for the vote has yet to be announced. 

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