Bar Crobar

Coronavirus: Coordinated, three-stage decontamination

VIRUS: Berne presented a timetable for the relaxation of measures on Thursday. The first phase of the plan will begin on 27 April.

The Federal Council intends to resolve the Covid-19 crisis in three stages. Hairdressers, physiotherapists, garden centres and doctors will be authorised to reopen from 27 April. The measures on gatherings will be maintained until 8 June.

"The measures taken have borne fruit, slowing the spread of the epidemic and gradually easing the situation," Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga told reporters in Bern on Thursday. "The transition is beginning. But it will be slow and gradual, so as not to wipe out the results achieved so far", added Health Minister Alain Berset.

The health of the Swiss population is the Federal Council's top priority. For the time being, the rules in force to combat the coronavirus remain in force, insisted the Health Minister. Gatherings of more than five people are still prohibited. Vulnerable people must continue to stay at home. And teleworking is recommended.

Protection measures will be relaxed from the end of April. Planned to be implemented in three stages, from 27 April, 11 May and 8 June, they can be adjusted depending on how the epidemic develops, according to Alain Berset. "We need to strike a balance between coming out of the economic crisis and the risk of relapsing into a health crisis", said Guy Parmelin, the head of the Swiss economy.

Hairdressers and doctors first

Hairdressers, physiotherapists, garden centres, crèches and other service providers will be the first to be allowed back to work. Hospitals and doctors' surgeries will once again be able to carry out all operations and offer all their services, including those that are not urgent.

These activities involve very little direct contact and do not involve large flows of people," explained Mr Berset. In addition, protection plans are easy to put in place. The cantons will have to monitor their implementation.

From 27 April, food shops selling other goods will be able to reopen their entire sales area. In the opinion of the Fribourg resident, it may be necessary to wear a mask to accompany the gradual reopening.

In addition, people outside the immediate family of the deceased will once again be able to attend the funeral.

Schools from 11 May

From 11 May, the Federal Council plans to reopen compulsory schools. The youngest children do not catch the disease and are poor vectors," said Mr Berset. Other shops (sports and others) and markets will be able to resume their activities.

In a third phase, scheduled to start on 8 June, vocational schools, upper secondary schools and universities should reopen their doors. Mr Berset explained that these students would have to travel a lot more.

On the same date, entertainment and leisure facilities such as museums, libraries, botanical gardens and zoos should reopen. The ban on gatherings will also be relaxed. The government is due to decide on the details of this step on 27 May.

Restaurants and bars in limbo

Many other points remain unresolved. The government does not mention any date for the reopening of restaurants and bars. The catering industry can draw up plans for a gradual opening," said Sommaruga.

It is also impossible to give a deadline for the major events. "Expectations are very high for this summer", admitted Mr Berset, but the Federal Council needs a global vision beforehand.

The transition from one stage to the next will only take place if there is no significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Resuming transmission monitoring

As soon as the number of new infections drops to around 100 a day, the cantons will start systematically tracing the chains of transmission again. To do this, they plan to step up screening, devise a contact-tracking strategy and develop an application that will make it possible to find out if someone has been in contact with an infected person.

Finally, because of the epidemiological situation, the Federal Council has authorised the canton of Ticino to extend the restrictions in certain sectors of the economy until 26 April.

CDS welcomes phased relaxation of measures

The Federal Council's measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus and protect particularly vulnerable people are taking effect. The Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (CDS) considers the phased relaxation presented by the Federal Council on Thursday to be viable.

To ensure that medical establishments are not overwhelmed, it will only be possible to exit in measured steps, the CDS said in a press release. This protection is paramount, even if the relaxation must also take into account the economic and social effects.

CDS believes it is important to separate each stage by an interval of at least a fortnight. This is the only way to see the effects of relaxation on the number of new infections. It is just as important to continue observing hygiene measures and distance rules.

source: ats / Lematin.ch

TOP 17 things you can finally do during confinement

lepetitjournal.com has put together a list of all the things we want to do but never do because of lack of time, lack of motivation or an illness that affects us all: 'la flemme-ingite'. Whether you're cooped up in France or abroad, this is the perfect time to change your bad habits.

Anyone who's never said to themselves "I'll do that as soon as I've got time" or "Come on, I'll do it tomorrow" and then, when the time came, found themselves lounging in front of Netflix, forgetting what they'd promised themselves they'd do. Containment is there to help you stay on top of these activities, and we're here to remind you.

Since we're all going to be confined to our own homes, you might as well make them shine!

Cleaning your home

The big piece of furniture in the hallway that hasn't been moved for so long that you're afraid you'll fall asleep counting sheep behind it - yes, that one and all the others will be part of the biggest clean-up you've ever done in your home sweet home. After all, you're better off in a clean house!

Tidying up your cellar/attic/garden shed

Things pile up in a chaos that only you can understand. Let's not even talk about the times when you've been pissed off to find the cat's cage in this nameless mess. So summon up your courage - or four, if you're confined to more than one room - and turn that storage room into a clean and tidy place. orderly. This will boost your morale and get you through the day without you even realising it.

Sorting your clothes

Would Marie Kondo turn a blind eye to your cupboards and do you struggle every day to know where your things are and what you can put in them? Empty your cupboards, sort and re-sort like "The Art of Tidying". Choosing your outfit for the day will (re)become a real pleasure, even if it's just to put on a cozy outfit for your telework.

Finally time to deal with digital clutter

Sorting your photos

Those 384 gigabytes of photos that you still haven't been able to give up, lying dormant in your last three phones, deserve to be set free. What better way to lift your spirits than to " scroll " memories and choose cnuggets to decorate your walls or create photo albums? There are a number of applications for printing your photos from your phone, including Lalalab, Cheerz, Photobox and Mon AlbumPhoto.

Looking after your e-mails

Have you ever noticed the incredible number of e-mails you've accumulated over the years and your inbox is almost full? In just an hour and a few clicks, you can lighten the load.

Backing up your computer/phone

The coronavirus has reached the whole planet, and you can protect yourself against it with a few simple barrier measures. But you know that if a virus reaches your computer, you'll be left with nothing but tears in your eyes. It's time to get ready and finally make a backup of your device.

A healthy mind in a healthy body

Stoves, a new pleasure

Be creative! We know that in these difficult times, shopping and stocking up can be complicated. Sometimes you have to fall back on tins or foods that seem to have always haunted your cupboards. So why not consult your recipe books or the internet to find some new recipes to make the most of them? Top Chef is there for you! Confinement doesn't mean bad food or nibbling. Learn to share the cooking and enjoy the flavours. Who knows, it might even become a new habit, which, much to your surprise, doesn't take that long.

Get back into sport

For those who have always said to themselves: tomorrow I'm going to the gym! Now you can finally do sport at your own pace, without the pressure of watching Mr Muscles lift 50kg with his little finger. Find a programme to do at home and follow a little routine to get you going without any pressure. 15 days (for the time being) without running behind the metro wasn't the 'must' for getting into shape anyway.

Start meditation and/or yoga

Why not take advantage of this moment of confinement to refocus? Meditation or yoga are the perfect way to escape the panic. The lack of courses on YouTube won't stop you. Don't have a yoga mat? Your living room mat or a couple of towels on the floor will do the trick. Remember the Thai teenagers trapped in a cave who practised mindfulness meditation for a fortnight? Now it's your turn! Several scientific studies have shown that this practice has positive effects in treating a number of illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

Creativity is the name of the game!

Now that you've tidied up your cellar, you're bound to have some treasures to customise.
Tutorials on Pinterest, Youtube and other social networks will be your best allies.

Creative activities with and/or for your children

All these tutorials on social networks, from decorating to repairing to building... have always made you want to. All your child wants is your attention. So now's the time to make that puppet theatre or fort you've been dreaming of for months (why not a Game of Thrones-style toilet paper throne?).

New games for your pets

The confinement also has repercussions for Garfield, who is no longer king of the house while you're at work from 9am to 6pm. And if you try to explain to Medor what teleworking is, you'll end up in a scratching session. You can create new games using plastic bottles or egg cartons and put kibble inside, for example. You can also use cardboard to build a new kennel or cat tree.

Keeping a diary/notebook

You've always thought that getting organised with a vintage, well-decorated notebook would be nicer. There's nothing like creating a Bullet Journal and scribbling down your moods in it instead of taking it out on your partner, who's also on the verge of a nervous breakdown during this confinement. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, those who take five minutes each evening to write down their to-do list fall asleep faster and sleep better. The most ambitious may even start writing that novel you've been thinking about for all those years. So get out your best pens!

Culture in your home

Start reading again

Your bookshelf is full of books that you bought thinking "I'll read it on the train/plane/carpool/bus/waiting room/...". Make the most of your relaxing time to finally start and, above all, finish those books whose covers have caught your eye but you haven't yet decided to turn the pages.

Visiting museums/galleries

Cultural activities often fall by the wayside in our daily lives. But with new technologies, we can now visit these places from the comfort of our sofa. You can virtually enter museums such as the Natural History Museum in Washington, the Mapfre Foundation at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris or the National Gallery in London.

Use your beauty products

You've got creams dating back to 2003, and "cocooning" products that have never been opened. Your new objective: empty them. Use that eco-friendly soap that's good for your skin, hair and nails that your mother-in-law gave you three years ago, and that scrub you've forgotten you had.

Make yourself beautiful

Does your beard or hair need a new cut? Improvise yourself as a hairdresser for yourself or your family. You'll have at least 15 days to grow it back if you mess up!

But above all, relax!

Run yourself a nice hot bath. Add a small glass of wine. Get out those candles you only want to light for special occasions. Listen to some music and relax. The world will continue its mad rush, but at least you'll be able to put it on hold for a few minutes. As for the rest of the time, don't forget to consult our site for all the essential information.

Coronavirus: After confinement, the Chinese are running for divorce.

Many couples did not survive the quarantine: since the end of confinement, the whole of China has seen a sharp rise in divorce petitions.

At the epicentre of the health crisis that has spread throughout the world, China is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. But the long quarantine imposed on the country's inhabitants will leave its mark: it seems that many couples have not been able to resist living in close quarters. According to the "Global Times", quoted by the media Sup ChinaSince the end of confinement, the number of divorce applications has soared across the country.

"Because of the epidemic, many couples were locked in their homes for more than a month, awakening underlying conflicts", confirms an official from Shaanxi province. Reopened on March 1, some marriage and divorce registration offices have never seen so many applications, writes ulyces.co. And Chinese people wishing to end their marriage will have to be patient: waiting lists are getting longer in some regions, and you will have to wait several weeks before your application is processed.

Young people are rushing around

We've had people come to us who wanted a divorce but very quickly regretted it. Some young couples have even decided to remarry while their divorce certificate was still being printed", says another Chinese government official.

The news came as no surprise to Chinese internet users, who believe that many couples have not withstood the series of trials imposed by the health crisis. "When people spend day and night together, it's hard to hide or forget the problems in the marriage", commented one user on the Weibo social network. Among the factors causing tension, Internet users mention the sudden interruption of a well-oiled routine, economic stress, anxiety or even depression. Others think that an imbalance in household chores may have done the damage.

Will this phenomenon also be seen in Europe? The answer in a few weeks' time.

A growing number of solidarity initiatives in French-speaking Switzerland

Coronavirus Throughout the cantons, the Swiss are setting up systems to help neighbours, the elderly and relatives.

In French-speaking Switzerland, solidarity actions are multiplying between neighbours and on social networks. Help is being offered to the elderly and parents in particular. Some people are offering to lend a room to cross-border nursing staff.

In Geneva, there are an increasing number of advertisements in apartment blocks from residents offering to help their elderly neighbours. A Facebook page dedicated to self-help in the canton and the region was set up at the end of last week. By early afternoon on Tuesday, it had more than 7,700 members, who are indicating what they can do and where, from Thonon-les-Bains (F) through Geneva to western Lausanne.

Members mainly offer to do the shopping or go to the chemist, less often to look after children, walk a dog or drive someone, or even to lend a room to border carers to avoid having to travel, Keystone-ATS' regional offices found.

Posters in the canton of Vaud

In the canton of Vaud, posters are also springing up offering to put one's name down to help an elderly person in a practical way. While there are a number of individual initiatives, it is above all the Pro Senectute organisation that has launched the "Stronger Together" concept.

"The idea is for people to show their solidarity and be available in a building to help a senior citizen," explains Tristan Gratier, President of Pro Senectute Vaud. The association's 600 volunteers in Vaud have put up several thousand of these posters, particularly in the canton's solidarity villages and neighbourhoods.

On social networks, many sharing initiatives are springing up, particularly for families and childcare.

Cyclists mobilised

A number of support groups have sprung up on Facebook in the canton of Neuchâtel. The Solidarité neuchâteloise group, the largest, has over 3,000 members. Originally set up to support parents and children, the page receives many proposals for transport or food purchases.

The self-employed are also mobilising: a petition to save Neuchâtel's businesses has already collected more than 1,500 signatures online in less than two days.

In Neuchâtel's capital, the Black Office, which normally helps private individuals repair or maintain their bicycles, is offering to deliver books from a local bookshop and goods from a cooperative of regional producers free of charge by bike from Wednesday.

Gestures for rents

In Martigny (VS), patron Léonard Gianadda has decided to make a gesture totalling CHF 80,000 to the residents of his 430 flats. They will be offered a reduction on their April rent of between CHF 100 and 250, depending on the size of the flat.

In St-Maurice (VS), the Sisters of Saint-Augustin have sent a letter to the tenants of their housing association, with a 100 franc note inside, to reduce their next rent. On Facebook, the group "Monthey, Notre ville" has a list of people who are willing to help people who have been confined to their homes.

Fribourg basketball player reconverted

In the canton of Fribourg, young people are offering their services to look after children, both within their own families and beyond, for a small fee or free of charge. According to La Gruyère, one student has a full timetable until the end of April. The tri-weekly also mentions the initiative of Fribourg Olympic basketball player Boris Mbala. He has also made himself available for baby-sitting.

In the Jura region, Delémont is offering an information and self-help portal for service providers and people who are vulnerable or obliged to stay at home. The website lists shopkeepers who offer home deliveries, people offering childminding services and market gardeners who do not have markets but still have vegetables available.

In Moutier (BE), the municipal council has set up two community services: a shopping delivery service and a childcare service. Residents of the Prévôtôt who can provide this kind of community service can sign up.

In addition, an operation to support nursing staff got underway on Sunday evening in French-speaking Switzerland. At 9pm, some residents began clapping from their windows and balconies. Originating in Italy, the action, known as "minute applause", is due to be repeated every evening and is likely to grow over the coming days and weeks.

source: ats 24 Heures

Masks ordered by France bought back "on the tarmac" by the Americans

Some of the millions of masks ordered in France from China will finally be shipped to the United States...

Masks ordered in China by France are being bought back by Americans on the tarmac of Chinese airports from which the delivery planes are due to depart, which then head for the United States instead of France, the President of the Grand Est region, Jean Rottner, regretted on Wednesday.

"It's complicated, we're fighting 24 hours a day" to get the masks delivered, Jean Rottner told RTL. "I myself have a small unit at regional level that is working flat out with the sponsors to win these contracts. And indeed, on the tarmac, the Americans come up with the cash and pay three or four times the orders we have placed, so we really have to fight. And I was very happy to see this aircraft arrive here last night", he added.

The President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Renaud Muselier, has also heard of such a practice by American buyers: at a meeting between the regional presidents, "a regional president explained to us that his order for masks had been stolen from him at the airport itself, by the Americans, who paid three times the price, in cash. But I won't give you the name of the region or the number of masks ordered", said Renaud Muselier.

It's an incredible obstacle course

To collect an order for four million masks, which had been ready since Saturday, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region had "finally decided to go through Ceva, the logistics subsidiary of CMA-CGM", a French charter shipping company based in Marseille, explained Mr Muselier. "At least I can be sure that nobody is going to buy them from me on the tarmac. Normally, they're on the way to the airport. But I'm still as cautious as a Sioux, it's an incredible obstacle course" from a logistical point of view, he noted.

Two million surgical masks ordered from China by the Grand Est region were delivered to Basel-Mulhouse airport on Tuesday night. Jean Rottner, himself an emergency doctor, ordered a total of five million masks, financed by the regional budget. The Grand Est was the first region to receive its own order of masks, in addition to national orders.

Emmanuel Macron, who has been criticised for the shortage of masks in France, promised "full independence" for mask production by the end of the year during a visit to a manufacturing plant in Anjou on Tuesday.

The United States, which has been slow to take measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus on its territory, is also looking for masks.

source: https://www.vosgesmatin.fr/

Coronavirus. In Dubai, a couple run a marathon on their balcony

In Dubai, two South Africans ran a marathon on their balcony. The couple plan to carry the project forward to help people beat the new coronavirus blues.

Their names are Collin and Hilda Allin. This couple completed 42.2 km by walking back and forth over 2,100 times on their 20-metre balcony on Saturday. On the live webcast, the couple proudly show the stopwatch at the end of the distance, indicating 5 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds.

We did itCollin said on Instagram under the hashtag #balconymarathon, congratulating his wife on her first ever marathon and thanking people for their support. Thank you for all the love and support [...] It was great to have you all along the way.he said.

The couple's daughter Geena, aged 10, played the role of race director, putting up signs indicating the start and turnaround and providing her parents with water and snacks as well as inspirational music.

Collin stated that he planned to organise a a bigger, more global and more inclusive race to allow people who feel cooped up but want to stretch their legs to join the race for a few kilometres or more.

It's about giving people something else to think abouthe said on Friday before the race. It's about getting people to make contact when they're worried about the impact of the coronavirus.

The pandemic has disrupted the calendar of sporting competitions around the world and limited the opportunities for outdoor sporting activities.

On a seven-metre-long balcony near Toulouse, a 32-year-old man ran back and forth more than 6,000 times, relaying his marathon on Instagram where many of his followers cheered him on throughout his race, which lasted more than six hours. Another ran around his terrace 727 times, completing the 42.2 kilometres in just over five hours to the applause of his neighbours.

The United Arab Emirates has imposed night-time restrictions on travel, except for employees in essential sectors, to allow for cleaning and disinfection operations.

With 468 cases of infection and two deaths, the Emirates are also encouraging residents to stay at home during the day and only go out if necessary.

source:Ouest-FranceOuest-France.

Coronavirus: without a hairdresser, the D-system of the French during a period of confinement

It was a non-essential business that closed more than 10 days ago, before the confinement, and yet it would have been essential for some: the hairdressing salon. Europe 1 asked how the people confined were coping, "hair-wise" speaking.

Growing hair, receding ends, bleached roots... With confinement and no chance to go to the hairdresser, are we soon going to look like John Lennon or Yoko Ono in the 60s? This confinement, which is likely to last for a few more weeks, could in any case do some damage to our hair. Europe 1 has gathered testimonies from French people who are already tearing their hair out.

"What was going to happen to my hair and my dye job?"

Every day, the white roots on the brown head of Diane, who is not lucky enough to work from home, gain ground. The confinement is giving her grey hair, and that's what worries her: "A lot of stress, obviously: what was going to happen to my hair and my dye job," she laughs.

"We had to act. As soon as the lockdown was announced, I asked my daughter to go and get me some hair dye to make up for the disaster. And her daughter isn't really sure she made the right choice: "To tell you the truth, I'm not even sure I chose the right colour," she laughs.

For those who did not take precautions before the confinement, you will have to wait...

By Pierre Herbulot edited by Séverine Mermilliod

Coronavirus: no general confinement in Switzerland, groups of more than 5 people fined

With the FOPH now reporting 4,840 positive cases of the coronavirus, the Federal Council is banning gatherings of more than five people in the country and releasing €32 billion for the economy. Relive the press conference.

16h41

End of press conference

The press conference is now over. We are therefore bringing this live broadcast to a close. Thank you for tuning in, and have a responsible weekend.

16h41

And in the car?

"It's not up to the state to decide how people behave. We're really appealing to people's sense of responsibility. But it's not the best time to put a sick person with a cough together with three healthy people."

16h34

"We need common sense

Alain Berset points out that in countries that have declared general confinement, many activities are permitted. "We're not saying that elderly people shouldn't go out for a bit of exercise or walk their dog. But common sense is needed.

16h32

The Swiss stranded abroad

"We are aware that everything is closing down at international level," says Alain Berset when asked whether the Confederation will come to the aid of Swiss nationals stranded abroad. "We need to look at what can still be done when everything is becoming blocked."

16h30

Towards other support measures?

Self-employed people who do not meet the criteria could be seriously affected, or even go bankrupt. "We are ready to analyse and devise other measures. It's an ongoing process," says Guy Parmelin.

16h25

"The whole population must respect the measures".

"We have to get to a point where the whole population respects the measures," says Alain Berset. "Solidarity doesn't just mean making a speech on 1 August.

16h23

Geolocation used?

"There is no question of using personal data to monitor people", exclaims Alain Berset, adding that no legal basis exists in Switzerland. "The idea is not to use what is happening in real time.

16h20

"We still have to do something for those who don't understand".

"The police will deal with the fines," replied Alain Berset to a question on the subject. "They have been working hard over the last few days, in particular explaining the social distance to people."

"I'm impressed to see how things are going on the streets: during rush hour in Berne, I've noticed that it's being implemented quite well. But something still needs to be done for those who don't understand, or don't want to understand", added the Federal Councillor.

16h13

No general containment to ensure long-term survival

Without an announcement of a total curfew, some people would not take the situation seriously. "We need people to get on board," exclaims Alain Berset. "The countries that have decided on total containment have done so until the end of the month or for the next few days in April. This timeframe will be too short. We have to hold out for the next few weeks.

16h08

"We've caught up

Alain Berset acknowledges that the Federal Council is trying to improve its system of communication between the various players in the healthcare sector.

"It's not that we're not up to date. We had a backlog of entries, but we have made up for it," defended Daniel Koch, head of the FOPH's Communicable Diseases Division, adding that the figures are correct.

16h02

Damage to the economy

"The medium- and long-term damage is very difficult to measure," explains Guy Parmelin. "It will depend on how long the epidemic lasts.

"We can reckon on a loss in Swiss GDP of €30 billion," adds Eric Scheidegger, Chief Economist at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.

16h00

Containment is not necessary?

"The measures we have in place seem to me to be well calibrated and well monitored," says Alain Berset. "Behaviour will make the difference, not political decisions. The reality is how people behave to slow the spread of the virus."

15h58

"This is an extremely strong restriction on individual freedom".

Why didn't you ban gatherings of more than five people earlier? "It's an extremely strong restriction on individual freedom", replies Alain Berset, "Imagine if six months ago we had banned this type of gathering in the public space. It's a difficult measure that requires an extraordinary situation.

From midnight onwards, a group of young people hanging around the station could be fined CHF 100 per person, added the Federal Councillor.

15h55

And the big families?

Are families of more than 5 people affected by the ban? "Gatherings of people can cause the virus to spread," explains Alain Berset. "We need the public to accept this in order to curb the spread of the virus. We have noticed that these provisions are not respected in public places.

"But you have to keep common sense," he added. "It's not a problem for a family of five children to stay together." Nevertheless, he reminds us that social distance and hygiene measures must be respected.

15h52

"We're calling on the elderly to stay at home".

On Thursday, the canton of Uri banned anyone over the age of 65 from going outside. But the Confederation is not formally banning them. The message is clear: we are calling on the elderly to stay at home," explains Ueli Maurer.

15h49

Now it's time for the Q&A.

15h47

Cash for business

"Thousands and thousands of companies will receive money next week," says Ueli Maurer. "Within half an hour, the money can be obtained." The banks have received instructions on the subject.

"We'll have to see over the next few weeks whether the 20 billion will be enough," concluded the Federal Councillor.

15h44

"The financial centre is in very good shape".

"We have all done our duty and implemented all the necessary measures. The financial centre is in very good shape", assures Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer.

15h43

Ueli Maurer takes the floor.

15h41

Concerning rents

"The current situation is causing problems with rents," says Guy Parmelin. "It is essential that tenants talk to landlords. I call on all parties to work in a spirit of compromise."

15h39

Culture, sport and tourism

Guy Parmelin presents the support measures for culture, sport and tourism.

Independent artists in particular will be compensated. CHF 270 million will be allocated to artists in difficulty. With regard to sport, CHF 100 million is already available for sports organisations. As for tourism, 530 million francs will be invested in the regions.

15h35

No apprentice redundancies

Guy Parmelin announces the measures relating to work and in particular short-time working. "There is no reason to make apprentices redundant", he said.

Companies hit by the crisis will be able to temporarily defer payment of social security contributions (AVS, AI, APG, AC) without interest. These measures also apply to self-employed workers whose turnover has fallen.

Short-time working for temporary workers

The right to compensation in the event of reduced work will be extended. Short-time working can now be granted to temporary workers. Loss of work will also be counted for apprentices. The waiting period for entitlement to short-time working has been abolished.

Parents who have to stop work to look after their children are entitled to compensation. The same applies in the event of a medical quarantine.

15h33

"Help is on the way

"There will be measures for sport, culture and tourism. Help is on the way," says Guy Parmelin. "The Federal Council and the cantons are committed to helping those affected as quickly as possible.

15h31

32 billion more for the economy

"An additional CHF 32 billion will be allocated to those affected and to the Swiss economy," says Guy Parmelin. "We are all directly or indirectly affected.

15h30

Guy Parmelin takes the floor.

15h27

A call to responsibility

"We have to show that we are capable of taking responsibility. People over 65 need to protect themselves and stay at home. The younger generations are also concerned. It's a question of responsibility", said Alain Berset.

"It's time to show what we can do.

15h26

"We don't play politics for show".

For Alain Berset, the difference with neighbouring countries is that "we are not engaged in show politics or announcement politics. What matters is that the public support these measures over the next few weeks.

15h24

What about general containment?

Alain Berset is coming on board. "It's a discussion we've had. We have come to the conclusion that what we are doing in our country is very close to what neighbouring countries are doing. But what is essential is what the Swiss do in relation to these measures."

15h23

"It's the last moment to apply these measures".

"Gatherings of more than five people, including spontaneous gatherings, are prohibited throughout the country", says Alain Berset, pointing out that the cantonal police can impose fines if this rule is not respected. "This is the last moment to apply these measures.

15h22

Alain Berset pointed out that the Federal Council had taken strong measures on Monday, "necessary to curb the spread of the virus".

15h20

Solidarity

Alain Berset points out that this can only work if all Swiss people pull together. He called for solidarity and reminded everyone that everyone is affected. In particular, he thanks all those who have offered to help. He also took the opportunity to thank other people.

15h20

"The next few days will be difficult

Alain Berset took the floor to announce that the Federal Council had taken strong measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus. "We must do everything we can to ensure that our healthcare facilities are not overloaded", he declared. "This is a serious time. The next few days will be difficult.

15h18

Because of the coronavirus crisis, the Federal Council will now hold two weekly meetings, on Wednesdays and Fridays.

15h16

The press conference is about to begin. The Federal Councillors get ready and collect their notes.

15h16

Fines for groups of more than five people

The Swiss have escaped the general lockdown. However, the Federal Council decided on Friday to tighten the measures: gatherings of more than five people are banned. Such groups will be liable to a fine.

32 billion for the economy

On Friday, the Federal Council released a further CHF 32 billion to support businesses. This is in addition to the CHF 10 billion already made available to the economy.

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Welcome to our website and apps for live coverage of the Federal Council's press conference on the coronavirus. Berne will be announcing the new measures that will be applied in Switzerland to prevent the spread of the virus.

Le Nouvelliste - Valais, National and International News

Le Coronavirus est testé pour savoir s’il passera l’été ?

La propagation de l’épidémie pourrait être ralentie par la chaleur et l’humidité. Des scientifiques tentent dès maintenant de le savoir.

Bon nombre de virus ne résistent pas à la chaleur, c’est pour cela que la saison de la grippe, par exemple, est l’hiver. On espérait que cela soit également le cas pour le nouveau coronavirus, mais le fait qu’il se soit tout de même propagé dans des régions où il fait plus de 30°C, comme à Singapour, n’est pas un signe très encourageant.

Toutefois, selon une étude chinoise, des températures chaudes pourraient au moins le ralentir, relevait ZME Science. Selon une approche statistique, effectuée auprès de 4711 cas de personnes contaminées par le SRAS-CoV-2 dans toute la Chine, il s’est avéré que plus la température et le taux d’humidité étaient élevés, moins l’épidémie se propageait. Ce qui, si cela se confirme, serait une bonne nouvelle dans les mois à venir pour l’hémisphère nord et une mauvaise pour celui du sud.

Test sur une réplique inoffensive

Reste que tout cela n’est basé que sur des probabilités. Pour tenter d’en savoir plus scientifiquement, une étude vient d’être lancée à l’Université de l’Utah, aux États-Unis. Les chercheurs vont tester la résistance du coronavirus à la chaleur, l’humidité et à d’autres changements environnementaux. Pour ce faire, ils vont recréer des particules synthétiques du coronavirus, mais sans son génome, afin qu’il ne puisse infecter personne ni se multiplier. L’idée est vraiment de voir comment la physique de sa propagation peut être affectée.

Comme pour la grippe, le SRAS-CoV-2 voyage entre humains sous forme de gouttelettes de mucus en suspension dans l’air. Observer la façon dont ces gouttelettes réagissent en fonction de la température et de l’humidité devrait permettre de savoir si le virus ralentira ou non avec la saison chaude. Et tout ce qui altère l’intégrité structurelle du coronavirus est bon à prendre. «Ce n’est pas un vaccin. Cela ne résoudra pas la crise, mais nous espérons que cela éclairera les décisions politiques à venir», a déclaré Michael Vershinin du Département de physique et d’astronomie de l’université.

Centre pluridisciplinaire

Si, lors de précédents virus, des études ont été menées sur leurs moyens et leurs vitesses de propagation, on a rarement regardé l’influence du climat. Le laboratoire de l’Université de l’Utah, qui vient de recevoir une subvention de 200 000 francs pour mener cette recherche, a des années d’expériences dans le domaine des études des virus à l’échelle nanométrique. De plus, il fait partie du Centre pour la science des cellules et du génome (CCGS) de cette même université, où travaillent physiciens, chimistes et biologistes. Du coup, au besoin, une collaboration interdisciplinaire peut facilement se mettre en place.

Michel Pralong

source: Le Matin

Coronavirus: the world confines itself and Switzerland?

De plus en plus de pays ferment leurs frontières, leurs écoles ou leurs restaurants et les commerces non essentiels.
Mais la Suisse ?
Sera-t-elle confinée par la force des choses ?