Fifth wave is here, warns government

Pixabay

Infections are climbing and the health minister Alain Berset is admitting that ‘we are not in a comfortable position’.

Speaking at a press conference in Bern yesterday, Berset says the fifth wave is here, but we are in a better situation than last year as we have the vaccines. 

The head of the cantonal conference of health directors, Lukas Engleberger, says the next few weeks will show if the vaccines and restrictions will keep the burden on the health system low. 

But he warns the situation in Germany and Austria would suggest we need to stay cautious. 

There are currently no plans for new federal restrictions, but Engleberger says it could be the case that harder hit cantons may bring in stricter rules – such as school closures and tough rules on mask wearing. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Economic outlook uncertain for this year

    Switzerland’s economic outlook remains cautious, with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasting growth of around one percent in 2026,although that depends on falling oil prices.

  • Geneva bans the burkini

    Geneva’s parliament has voted to ban the burkini in public swimming pools, ending months of heated debate.

  • Birthday candles banned in Geneva schools

    In response to the fire in Crans Montana, birthday candles have been banned in Geneva’s primary schools.

  • Transit tax moves closer

    Switzerland is moving closer to introducing a transit tax for foreign vehicles crossing the country.

  • Fake Nyon officer fined

    A man in his fifties has been convicted in Vaud after impersonating a police officer in several towns, including Rolle and Nyon.

  • Heavy traffic this Easter

    Heavy traffic is expected across Switzerland over the Easter holiday period, particularly on the A2 Gotthard autoroute and the A13 San Bernardino route from March 27.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play