Doctors and politicians in canton Ticino say they feel abandoned by Bern as they try to prepare for an expected large outbreak of Covid-19.
The canton borders northern Italy which has around 400 infected and 12 dead.
The head of the Ticino Medical Association, Franco Denti, says Bern is failing to realize the seriousness of the situation in Italy. He says the border should have been closed and he expects a large increase in cases in Switzerland.
The canton is taking more preventative measures. Two hockey games will go on – but without spectators. The Fasnacht carnival has been cancelled and school trips have been banned for the time being – although schools will reopen after the holidays on Monday.
Doctors say they have not received masks, gloves or protective glasses.
But Bern says it’s not possible to seal off entire villages and towns. A spokesman for the government says it would require police action and monitoring the population – which is not suitable for a free society.
Switzerland has designated northern Italy as an affected area, the only European country on the list at the moment.
Anyone who’s visited the north of the country should avoid large gatherings, public transport and sporting events for 14 days after returning. And if they develop cold like symptoms – stay at home and contact their doctor by phone, mentioning they’ve been in an infected area.
Doctors point out testing without symptoms will not be effective as it won’t be reliable.
A new confirmed case of Covid 19 has been reported from the French town of Annecy – just 40km from Geneva. The new case is the wife of a previous patient, according to the French health minister.
The Geneva car show will go ahead – despite the spread of Covid 19.
Several other large trade events, such as the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, have already been cancelled.
But Car Show organizers say they have decided to continue with the media and VIP days on the 3rd and 4th March and then the public days from the 5th to 15th.
They’re asking exhibitors and visitors from risk areas to make sure they’re not showing any symptoms for 14 days ahead of the show and will have a programme of disinfection and prevention in place.
The Geneva Car Show is arguably the most important show of its type in the world.
Some manufacturers have already said they won’t be attending this year – before the virus outbreak.
Lamborghini, Jaguar Land Rover, and marques from the PSA group – which includes Opel, Peugeot and Citroen – have all said they’re skipping this year.
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