Advertisement

How many people have been tested for coronavirus in Switzerland?

The Local
The Local - [email protected]
How many people have been tested for coronavirus in Switzerland?
Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP

In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Swiss health office gave an insight into the country’s testing regime.

Advertisement

Patrick Mathys, from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, said on Tuesday that more than 200,000 people had been tested for the coronavirus in Switzerland. 

Approximately 25,000 of those tests were positive, of which 3,000 needed hospital care. More than 1,100 people have died in Switzerland as a result of the virus, while around 400 people remain in intensive care. 

UPDATE: What you need to know about the coronavirus crisis in Switzerland 

In total, Switzerland carries out an average of 6,000 tests each week day, with an additional 2,500 on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Although the government has been increasing its testing capacity, Mathys said during the press conference that the demand for tests had waned in recent days. 

Advertisement

Switzerland currently is working towards a testing capacity of 15,000 per day, but is waiting on essential materials in order to carry out the tests. 

“Basically, demand (for tests) has waned. But we know that not everyone who should be tested can be tested now,” he said. 

In order to allow for a greater easing of restrictions, Mathys said the country would need to increase its testing capacity. 

“In connection with easing measures, we are reviewing an adjustment of the tests,” he said. 

“We assume that around 15,000 tests a day are possible. But the materials must then have arrived in Switzerland on time, before we can increase the number.”

 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also