The violent corona wave in China is fueling concerns in Europe about new virus variants. Since this week, EU countries have been “strongly urged” to introduce mandatory testing for travelers from China. SVP faction leader Thomas Aeschi asks the same. He calls for an immediate corona test obligation for travelers from China “to protect the Swiss population against possible mutations”. The chairman of the social security and health committees in the National Council wants to submit the corresponding application to the directorate of Health Minister Alain Berset next week.
However, such a mandatory test is controversial. Infectiologist Huldrych Günthard from the University Hospital Zurich says: “From a virological point of view, such tests are of no use.” There is currently no evidence that the virus currently rampaging in China is any more dangerous than the virus variants in Europe. The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) also sees it this way: it cannot be assumed that the current infection process in China will pose an increased risk to our health system.
According to infectious disease specialist Günthard, only vaccination is an effective measure: “If we were to introduce mandatory vaccination for travelers from China with immediate effect, we could reduce the risk of overloading the health system.” In addition, the wastewater from airports with international traffic could be tested for Covid viruses and the samples could be sequenced if necessary, says Günthard. You are currently not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or tests to enter Switzerland.