Federal Council wants to extend Lockdown Light until the end of February

“We have to do everything in the next few weeks to reduce the number of cases. The case is similar to a year ago. At that time we already knew from China that the coronavirus was circulating and we could prepare. The same now applies to the mutation from Great Britain. We must now do everything we can to avoid a third wave. So far we have managed to avoid tougher measures that other countries have implemented. "

What did the Federal Council discuss today?

Restaurants, bars, sports, cultural and leisure facilities in Switzerland have been closed since December 22, 2020. And for one month, until January 22, 2021. The Federal Council therefore held a debate at its extraordinary meeting today. The result: The measures are to remain closed for another five weeks, i.e. until the end of February.

The final decision will be made on January 13th. The Federal Council wants to consult the cantons beforehand. "In our opinion, the reopening is not possible on January 23," says Berset. "That will also affect the financial support for those affected," adds Berset.

I don't think anyone cares right now...just trying to shield the most vulnerable. 7 000 people hospitalized for Covid in CZ.

The CZ gov is planning after the 3rd wave calms down to allow people to enjoy sports/culture/concerts only either with neg PCR test or vax.

They don't need retesting. The existing RNA fragments will be modified/added to to include the mutation but the fundimentals of the vaccine do not need to change. This was foreseen when they developed the vaccine.

I haven't left in nearly 18 hours, but I will soon leave to fill the tank of the car so I can get to work tomorrow (today is a holiday).

Tom

So, the shops that remain open close at 19h00 until end of February?

it was sarcasm.

Also preparing for a repeat of the 2020 March/April lockdown if (when?) the English mutation really takes hold.

From todays press conference

Restrictions stay the same atm.
No more exceptions for cantons with low R value.
Additional restrictions could be implemented next week if numbers dont get better.
If we want to have an idea about possible additional restrictions we should look at our neighbours according to Berset...

Yes, whatever we have now stays for another month.

Here's an interesting op-ed from MedPage Today on one of my favourite subjects (vitamin D) which is a good summary of the current evidence and comes to a conclusion I strongly agree with:

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infecti.../covid19/90530

It is our responsibility as physicians not to wait for perfect evidence when making life-and-death decisions. Given the safety profile of vitamin D, the 40% prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S., and the fact that this season will likely be the deadliest phase of the pandemic to date, we need to act now. Identifying and eradicating vitamin D deficiency with early and aggressive supplementation in COVID-19 has the potential to save thousands of lives and should be one of our highest public health priorities.

Just one small qualifier: antigen tests AKA "rapid tests" (such as the tests given in pharmacies) are indicated only if you have had symptoms for less than four days. If you have had symptoms for more than that, you should take a PCR test.

What is the chance of them not extending after Jan 13th meeting? I need to plan ahead! Is Jan 13th meeting just a formality?

Just about nil.

I'm guessing a formality. But who knows what'll happen in the next week.

Its also been reported here in the press that in addition to the prolongation of existing measures, they are consulting with cantons on the proposed strengthened measures that can be put in place at short notice if need be. These include:
-obligation to work at home
-stricter measures on public and private meetings/gatherings
-closure of shops
-more protections for the vulnerable
-increased measures in the workplace.

Cantons to also examine what measures could be taken for compulsory schooling if needed.

It's a gap to consult with the cantons. I. E. unless strong objections, it will be formally put in place.

Even stricter measures are ok for my planning, if they decide to weaken the measures on Jan 13th meeting then that would have been an issue

I think you're pretty safe. The cantons will just want to make sure the feds pay the cost for the extended closures, then it's a done deal in my view

well, I'd say that from the opposite side, "covidiot" was most soft accuse, so...
I'd suggest all parts to calm down and be constructive

Looks like Vit D will fix all. I am serious.