The number of new infections is a key indicator of a possible easing of the lockdown – it just needs to be interpreted correctly.
The number of new COVID-19 infections is a key indicator of whether the lockdown should be relaxed or continue at its current level after April 19.
However, the numbers of newly infected persons published by the FOPH can only be correctly assessed in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 tests performed per time unit. Out of 150,000 tests performed so far, approximately 21,000 tests have been returned as “positive”. In international comparison, Switzerland carries out many tests, in the meantime also within the framework of home or drive-in testing. Therefore, assuming that more and more corona tests are performed per day, the alleged “stable number” of newly infected persons (ca 1000/day) would de facto be an actual relative decrease of newly infected persons (=calming).
In addition to the economic consequences of the continuation of the current lockdown, there is currently also a great danger in Switzerland that non-COVID-19 patients will be medically under-cared for, and this despite the fact that the majority of Swiss hospitals are currently 50-70% empty and the associated medical staff have nothing to do.
Prof. Dr. med Paul Mohacsi, eMBA UZH, Herrliberg
© NZZ
