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HEALTH

Coronavirus: Switzerland records highest number of new cases since April

Switzerland recorded 274 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday - the highest number of new cases since mid-April.

Published: 13 August 2020 10:37 CEST
Coronavirus: Switzerland records highest number of new cases since April
Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset. Photo: Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP

New infections have increased gradually since the start of July, after remaining in single figures daily for May and June. 

The number of new cases has not been below 100 since the start of August. 

 

 

 

On Tuesday, there were 187 new cases. 

Per 100,000 residents, there are 13.1 infections – which is well below the Swiss government’s ‘high risk’ threshold of 60 per 100,000.

There are now an estimated 4,500 people in quarantine for the virus due to being exposed to an infection, while a further 18,300 people are in quarantine after returning from a high-risk area. 

 

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TAXES

Masks, tests and jabs: Can I deduct Covid-related costs from my taxes in Switzerland?

Switzerland’s tax deadline is just around the corner. Are Covid-related costs tax deductible?

Published: 31 March 2022 14:16 CEST
Masks, tests and jabs: Can I deduct Covid-related costs from my taxes in Switzerland?

March 31st is the deadline for filing taxes in Switzerland relating to the 2021 financial year. 

Over the past two years, the Covid pandemic has seen a change in our spending habits. 

While we may have saved on restaurants and travel, we laid out considerable costs on a range of new expenses, including disinfectant, masks and Covid tests. 

As some of these costs are required by law, can they be deducted from your tax?

In some cases, expenses directly related to the Covid pandemic can be deducted. 

Masks, for instance, can be deducted as medical expenses in some cantons, Swiss tax specialist Markus Stoll told 20 Minutes. 

This depends on the specific framework for tax deductions related to medical expenses in that canton. 

EXPLAINED: What can I deduct from my tax bill in Switzerland?

Generally speaking, any medical costs paid out of pocket can be deducted. However, most cantons impose a minimum percentage limit from which these costs can be deducted. 

In many cantons, this will start at five percent of your yearly income in total (i.e. including other out-of-pocket costs like dental or specialist visits), meaning you would need to purchase a significant amount of masks to beat the threshold. 

What about testing and vaccination?

Testing and vaccinations however were largely free as their costs were covered by the Swiss government, which means associated expenses cannot be deducted. 

Those tests which were not covered by the government – for instance for travel abroad or for visiting clubs – cannot be deducted, Stoll says. 

“Tests for travel abroad or to visit clubs are not deductible” Stoll said. 

For a complete overview of taxation in Switzerland, including several specific guides, please check out our tax-specific page here. 

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