A bonus of 50 francs (46 euros at current exchange rates) for anyone who convinces someone else to get vaccinated. Swabs no longer free, unless you are waiting for the second dose or are under 16. The Federal Council, i.e. the Swiss government, has announced a new plan to extend the number of vaccinated people and to step up the fight against the coronavirus. “The number of cases is decreasing in all cantons and in all age groups – Federal Councilor Alain Berset said at a press conference in Bern, who has health care among his responsibilities – but there are still big differences between regions. We must continue to be vigilant and monitor the situation in the intensive care units which remains tense ».
Vaccination rate at 57%
Berset reiterated once again that vaccination is the best way out of the pandemic. But, he added, compared to other European countries, “Switzerland has a low vaccination rate (57% of the population is fully vaccinated, ed). We have to make further progress and the quota has to increase significantly in view of Christmas ”. Berset said the number of unvaccinated “is still too high to end the crisis and lift the measures.” The Federal Councilor pointed out that each hospitalization costs around 50,000 francs. The test costs currently amount to around 50 million francs per week.
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End of free tampons
“However, it is not just a question of money, – he specified – vaccination not only avoids more costs, it especially avoids suffering”. Together with the Covid or green pass certificate, the bonus to convince others to get vaccinated and the end of free tampons (from 11 October) should serve to accelerate the fight against the pandemic, always within a non-mandatory vaccine framework. The Swiss government has also decided to launch a national vaccination week, with approximately 170 additional mobile vaccination units (in addition to the current 50), personal interviews and vaccination advice vouchers. The costs of this new offensive in favor of vaccinations according to the Swiss government will be around 150 million francs.
Sustainable costs
The Federal Council believes that this is a more than sustainable investment, especially when compared to the high cost of testing. The benefits of a high vaccination rate for the health system and for the economy are clear, the red-cross executive stressed again. A high vaccination rate can make it possible to partially or fully revoke the measures in force, to the benefit of particularly affected sectors such as catering, the hotel industry, fitness centers and the entertainment industry. The new plan will now be put for consultation with Parliament and the cantons, but in the face of unsatisfactory results in terms of vaccinations, the government seems determined to push on the accelerator anyway. Even with the new bonus of 50 francs and with tampons that are no longer free.