Geneva, November 26 (BUS): Switzerland, like many other countries in Europe, is facing a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. But its federal government, unlike others, has not responded with new restrictive measures.
Analysts say she does not want to provoke further opposition to her anti-COVID-19 policies, which face a critical test at the polls this weekend as critics increasingly cast their votes, according to the Associated Press.
On Sunday, as part of the country’s regular referendums, Swiss voters will vote on the so-called “COVID-19 law” that has unlocked billions of Swiss francs (dollars) to help workers and businesses affected by the pandemic.
The law also mandated the use of a special COVID certificate that only allows people who have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative to attend public events and gatherings.
If the Swiss give a thumbs up, the government may step up efforts to combat COVID.
The vote introduces a relatively rare number of public opinion on the issue of government policy to combat the coronavirus in Europe, the global epicenter of the pandemic.
The continent has relatively high vaccination rates compared to countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, but it has been almost alone in facing an increase in cases in recent weeks.
Opinion polls indicate that the vast majority of Swiss would agree to the measure, which is already in effect, and rejecting it would end the restrictions – as well as payments.
But in recent weeks, opponents have raised piles of money for their campaign and gained support from abroad, including the visit of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the American anti-vaccination activist to a rally in the capital Berne this month.
Swiss weekly NZZ am Sonntag reported that activists have sent hundreds of petitions to government offices across the country claiming that the language of the referendum question is vague and does not mention “COVID certification” that allows access to places like restaurants and sporting events.
On Tuesday, Swiss health authorities warned of a growing “fifth wave” in the alpine country, where vaccination rates are roughly in line with those in hard-hit Austria and Germany – at around two-thirds of the population.
Infection rates have risen in recent weeks. The seven-day average number of cases in Switzerland rose to more than 5,200 per day from mid-October to mid-November, a more than fivefold increase – with an upward curve like those in neighboring Germany and Austria.
Austria responded with a high-risk lockdown, and Germany – which is forming a new government as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s term in office approaches – has taken some steps such as requiring workers to provide employers with proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test kit. to take effect next week.
The Swiss Federal Council, the seven-member executive branch, went out of its way on Wednesday to say: “It is not time to issue a decision to tighten measures nationwide,” choosing to approach each region individually and calling on citizens to act responsibly by wearing masks, physical distancing and ventilation. Suitable for indoor areas.
This is despite the fact that the council acknowledged in a statement that cases – especially among young people – are on the rise and that “the number of daily infections has reached a record level for this year and the exponential rise continues.” She added that the number of hospitalizations – particularly among the elderly – was rising, but not as fast.
Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset insisted his government was not tightening restrictions because COVID-19 patients still make up only a small percentage of people in intensive care units.
He noted that the Swiss Council may hold its breath over the weekend.
insult