Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
Find out what's going on today in Switzerland with The Local's short roundup of the news.
Switzerland is well prepared for the Delta variant, health official says
Though the Delta (Indian) variant is more contagious than other strains, spreading fast through the UK, Switzerland has been minimally affected by it, according to Christoph Berger, chairman of the Federal Vaccinations Commission.
Initially, the UK vaccinated its population with only one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was not enough to protect against the variant, Berger said.
However, the situation in Switzerland is different. In the current state of knowledge, people who had two shots of a messenger RNA vaccine — such as Moderna and Pfizer/Biontech administered in Switzerland —have a nearly 90-percent protection against the variant, Berger noted.
“We are in a relatively good shape”, he said.
READ MORE: How does a country ever get off Switzerland’s ‘variant’ list?
Migros recalls some of its products
Ten foods were withdrawn from the shelves of Switzerland’s largest supermarket chains by the order of health authorities because they contain excessively high lead levels.
They are Subito brand’s risotto parmigiano / tomate / asparagi / milanese, and pasta della nonna, as well as Bon Chef’s Moroccan lentil soup, casimir sauce, mix for minced meat and goulash, and salsa per pasta bolognese alla soia.
The lead content in these products is higher than the maximum allowed by Swiss law. As a health risk can’t be ruled out, customers who have already purchased these items are advised not to consume them and return them to the nearest branch for refund.
Die Migros ruft zehn Fertigprodukte zurück. Bei einer Zutat wurde ein Bleigehalt festgestellt, der über dem gesetzlichen Höchstwert liegt. Ein Gesundheitsrisiko kann nicht ausgeschlossen werden. Die Migros bittet ihre Kunden, diese Produkte nicht zu essen: https://t.co/AGfYfVTMBe pic.twitter.com/JBEZTOzrJL
— Migros (@migros) June 18, 2021
Also recalled by Migros is the “ENO 360 SL Twill Navy” child car seat by Osann, as it does not lock. Customers can bring it back for reimbursement.
Switzerland has one of the worst childcare policies
When it comes to childcare, Switzerland in is the 38th place out of 41 richest countries, a new survey by UNICEF shows.
It is based on each nation’s childcare and parental leave policies, including the accessibility, affordability and quality of childcare for children between birth and school age.
Switzerland is 37th in terms of affordability of childcare services, 18th in accessibility, and 40th in parental leave — far behind European champions in the field, Luxembourg, Iceland, Sweden and Norway.
READ MORE: How to decide where to live in Switzerland based on affordability
SWISS airline goes gender-neutral
The conventional "Ladies and gentlemen” greeting by the cabin crew is now a thing of the past.
Switzerland’s flagship carrier is following the example set by several other airlines by abandoning the traditional welcome message in favour of a more inclusive greeting.
In terms of internal and external communication, SWISS already started this change at the beginning of June by adding the rainbow flag to its logo on social media, as a sign of support for the LGBTQI + community.
Equality, Tolerance and Diversity are pillars of our culture at SWISS, that’s why we celebrate pride month. pic.twitter.com/3ZkH6I1rFR
— Swiss Intl Air Lines (@FlySWISS) June 1, 2021
Serious effects of Covid vaccines remain rare in Switzerland
Until June 15th, 2,944 cases of adverse reactions to coronavirus shots have been reported, according to the drug regulatory authority Swissmedic.
While most of the side effects were not serious, 97 people died after receiving their shots. On average, they were 81 years old and had chronic health issues.
"At present, there is no indication that the vaccines lead to an increase in the number of deaths”, Swissmedic said, attributing the deaths to pre-existing illnesses.
As 6.4 million doses have been administered so far, “the overall positive benefit-risk ratio of the vaccines remains”, Swissmedic noted
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local please get in touch with us at [email protected]
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Switzerland is well prepared for the Delta variant, health official says
Though the Delta (Indian) variant is more contagious than other strains, spreading fast through the UK, Switzerland has been minimally affected by it, according to Christoph Berger, chairman of the Federal Vaccinations Commission.
Initially, the UK vaccinated its population with only one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was not enough to protect against the variant, Berger said.
However, the situation in Switzerland is different. In the current state of knowledge, people who had two shots of a messenger RNA vaccine — such as Moderna and Pfizer/Biontech administered in Switzerland —have a nearly 90-percent protection against the variant, Berger noted.
“We are in a relatively good shape”, he said.
READ MORE: How does a country ever get off Switzerland’s ‘variant’ list?
Migros recalls some of its products
Ten foods were withdrawn from the shelves of Switzerland’s largest supermarket chains by the order of health authorities because they contain excessively high lead levels.
They are Subito brand’s risotto parmigiano / tomate / asparagi / milanese, and pasta della nonna, as well as Bon Chef’s Moroccan lentil soup, casimir sauce, mix for minced meat and goulash, and salsa per pasta bolognese alla soia.
The lead content in these products is higher than the maximum allowed by Swiss law. As a health risk can’t be ruled out, customers who have already purchased these items are advised not to consume them and return them to the nearest branch for refund.
Die Migros ruft zehn Fertigprodukte zurück. Bei einer Zutat wurde ein Bleigehalt festgestellt, der über dem gesetzlichen Höchstwert liegt. Ein Gesundheitsrisiko kann nicht ausgeschlossen werden. Die Migros bittet ihre Kunden, diese Produkte nicht zu essen: https://t.co/AGfYfVTMBe pic.twitter.com/JBEZTOzrJL
— Migros (@migros) June 18, 2021
Also recalled by Migros is the “ENO 360 SL Twill Navy” child car seat by Osann, as it does not lock. Customers can bring it back for reimbursement.
Switzerland has one of the worst childcare policies
When it comes to childcare, Switzerland in is the 38th place out of 41 richest countries, a new survey by UNICEF shows.
It is based on each nation’s childcare and parental leave policies, including the accessibility, affordability and quality of childcare for children between birth and school age.
Switzerland is 37th in terms of affordability of childcare services, 18th in accessibility, and 40th in parental leave — far behind European champions in the field, Luxembourg, Iceland, Sweden and Norway.
READ MORE: How to decide where to live in Switzerland based on affordability
SWISS airline goes gender-neutral
The conventional "Ladies and gentlemen” greeting by the cabin crew is now a thing of the past.
Switzerland’s flagship carrier is following the example set by several other airlines by abandoning the traditional welcome message in favour of a more inclusive greeting.
In terms of internal and external communication, SWISS already started this change at the beginning of June by adding the rainbow flag to its logo on social media, as a sign of support for the LGBTQI + community.
Equality, Tolerance and Diversity are pillars of our culture at SWISS, that’s why we celebrate pride month. pic.twitter.com/3ZkH6I1rFR
— Swiss Intl Air Lines (@FlySWISS) June 1, 2021
Serious effects of Covid vaccines remain rare in Switzerland
Until June 15th, 2,944 cases of adverse reactions to coronavirus shots have been reported, according to the drug regulatory authority Swissmedic.
While most of the side effects were not serious, 97 people died after receiving their shots. On average, they were 81 years old and had chronic health issues.
"At present, there is no indication that the vaccines lead to an increase in the number of deaths”, Swissmedic said, attributing the deaths to pre-existing illnesses.
As 6.4 million doses have been administered so far, “the overall positive benefit-risk ratio of the vaccines remains”, Swissmedic noted
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local please get in touch with us at [email protected]
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