Two people suspected of coronavirus infection in Switzerland as country tighten rules

Two suspected cases of coronavirus infection have been quarantined in a Zurich hospital, as Switzerland tightens reporting rules.

Two people are in isolation in a Zurich hospital suspected of infection with the virus after travelling to China. There are no confirmed cases in Switzerland to date.

Doctors and laboratories must now report suspected cases of coronavirus infection to the cantonal and federal authorities within two hours, Patrick Mathys, head of the crisis management section at the Federal Office of Public Health, told the Sonntagsblick newspaper.

He warned the epidemic could spread to Switzerland, which is a popular destination for Asian tourists. “We are also in contact with tour operators who organise group tours from Asia to Switzerland,” Mathys continued, adding that controls at airports must be coordinated throughout Europe.

But he said zero risk was impossible and Switzerland was well prepared for the worst-case scenario. “We have well-equipped large hospitals that could take coronavirus cases,” Mathys told the newspaper.

Swiss Home Affairs Minister Alain Berset has also said Switzerland is well prepared to face any outbreak of coronavirus and is ready to support international efforts to prevent a pandemic.

Read more via Swissinfo