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Switzerland: Coronavirus deaths top 1,000 despite ‘flattening of the curve’

There have now been more than 1,000 deaths in Switzerland from the coronavirus, while the number of infections across the country is approaching 25,000.

Published: 11 April 2020 16:48 CEST
Switzerland: Coronavirus deaths top 1,000 despite ‘flattening of the curve’
Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Although the numbers continue to climb, Swiss authorities are cautiously optimistic as new infections are being detected at a slower rate than at any time since the outbreak began. 

There have now been 24,900 positive tests in Switzerland, with 592 new cases detected from Friday to Saturday. 

What should I do if I have coronavirus symptoms in Switzerland?

EXPLAINER: Is it really the right time for Switzerland to be lifting restrictions?

The numbers of new confirmed cases have now not risen above 800 for more than a week, a significant drop after they averaged 1,000 for almost two weeks previously. 

Federal Office of Public Health spokesperson Daniel Koch said the government was cautiously welcoming of the news. 

“We still have between 500 and 700 new cases in the last few days, so the trend is still slightly decreasing, that's the good news.”

Koch urged the public to follow the lockdown rules so that infection rates would continue to fall. 

“That's why it really is the case that everyone has to keep trying and follow the recommended measures so that we can get into a more normal situation sometime in the near future.”

“Things are looking good at the moment. But it is surely too early to say that everything is over.”

“We still have a long way to go. It is important that people know that if we persevere now, it is going in the right direction

Deaths climb above 1,000

There have now been 1,011 deaths in Switzerland due to the coronavirus. 

According to official federal information, more than 190,000 people have now been tested for the virus in Switzerland – meaning that around 15 percent of tests produce a positive result. 

Although Switzerland does not federally measure the number of people who have healed from the virus, cantonal figures put the amount at more than 11,000. 

 

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HEALTH

How can a foreign resident apply for Swiss disability insurance?

This particular benefit is part of the compulsory social insurance scheme for all persons living in Switzerland — including foreign citizens.

Published: 17 June 2024 13:53 CEST
How can a foreign resident apply for Swiss disability insurance?

Disability insurance (DI), also known in Switzerland as ‘invalidity’ insurance, may sound as though you have to be physically handicapped in order to be eligible to receive this benefit.

But that is not so.

It is intended to replace lost income if you can’t work for long periods of time due to health problems — whatever the type of your ailment.

According to a government brochure on this subject, “the law defines invalidity as a total or partial incapacity to work or inability to perform previous tasks. The reason for the invalidity must be an impairment of physical, mental or psychological health that cannot be overcome with medical treatment and reintegration measures. Possible causes of the health impairment are a congenital infirmity, an illness, an occupational disease or an accident.” 

Are foreigners eligible for this insurance?

Everyone working Switzerland, regardless of the nationality, is insured for DI when they pay their compulsory social security contributions.

Note, however, that you will be entitled to draw full amounts (read more about this below) only if you contribute into the social security scheme from the time you turn 21 without any gaps.

You will receive these payouts for as long as you remain in Switzerland

However, if you move away, there will be some differences  based on whether you come from the EU / EFTA states (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or a third country.

Nationals of  EU / EFTA have the same DI rights as Swiss citizens — they will continue to receive the benefits even if they move back.

But if you come from elsewhere, benefits may be limited once you return to your country of origin, if that country doesn’t have a social security agreement with Switzerland.

How can you apply for these benefits?

In order to receive the DI, you will first need to complete an application form for IV/AI benefits (form available in German, French and Italian).

You will have to provide various documents, including medical certificates and other relevant paperwork detailed in the form that will allow authorities to determine whether you are eligible to receive disability  in the first place and, if so, how much (see below).

It is in your interest to register as soon as possible.

If you wait too long, your benefits may be reduced.

How much can you expect to receive?

These payments are intended to cover your essential needs, so don’t expect huge amounts.

The benefits are determined by two factors: your average salary before you become disabled, as well as the degree of your disability, which will be determined by health professionals designated by your social security office.

Logically, the more (and longer) you earned and contributed into the system, the more you will receive.

Generally speaking, the lowest possible full DI pension is currently 1,225 Swiss francs per month.

The highest is 2,450 francs per month — if  you earned 86,040 francs or more per year and you have paid uninterrupted contributions from age 21.

What if these amounts are not enough for you to live on?

In this case you could receive supplemental benefits at a level considered adequate to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Whether or not you are eligible for these benefits depends on your combined income and your personal wealth. You can only receive supplemental benefits as long as you live in Switzerland, though — unlike the basic DI, they are not transferable abroad.

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