ZURICH (Reuters) – The Swiss government on Wednesday decided against further restrictions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, even as more rapid changes have spread into the country.
Switzerland began a “lock light” in mid-December when the government ordered restaurants and sports and leisure centers to close for a month and urged people to stay at home.
It has, however, shunned a national closure of unnecessary ski resorts or shops.
“The Federal Council has carefully examined the current epidemiological situation. This remains a concern due to the high incidence of disease and the appearance of two new strains of virus in Switzerland, ”the government said in a statement. “However, the Federal Council has decided that the steps taken on 18 December … are appropriate and do not require tightening. ”
Switzerland has recorded more than 440,000 cases, representing more than 5% of the population, and nearly 7,000 deaths since the outbreak began, with experts saying on Tuesday that the country’s average death rate was among the highest in the world.
They have recorded seven cases of virus mutations that were first detected in Britain and South Africa, with health ministry officials saying they expect more cases of these mutating mutants to appear. faster release.
Reactively ordered measures on recent arrivals from both countries made headlines when hundreds of Britons fled quarantine in the Swiss ski town of Verbier.
Reciting with Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi; Edited by Riham Alkousaa and Barbara Lewis