survey
Are you still traveling to Italy?
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This also calls Swiss politicians on the scene. Lega National Councilor Lorenzo Quadri wants to close the border for Italian cross-border workers who work in the service sector. And CVP National Councilor Marco Romano calls for measures from the federal government, because it is very possible that the corona virus will spread to cross-border commuters in Switzerland.
Passenger control at the border
“The coronavirus outbreak in Italy is extremely dangerous,” says SP health politician Yvonne Feri. If Switzerland does not act, Ticino has a problem. “At the present time, I think it is premature to close the border.” Corona virus controls on the Italian border are now needed. «If possible, fever should be measured for all travelers. Both cars and trains need to be checked for passengers with coronavirus symptoms. » Possible suspected cases should then be distributed to the hospitals: “The hospitals in Switzerland and Italy must now prepare for this.”
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has to work out the concrete practical implementation, said Feri. However, this should be feasible with the use of medical troops or community service. “This measure is needed to protect the population.” You have confidence in the Federal Council that it will take the right steps.
Is a travel warning necessary?
SVP cantonal councilor Tiziano Galeazzi believes that Switzerland must now issue travel warnings. “The fact that Switzerland has so far not issued a warning is worrying,” he says. The population absolutely needs more detailed travel information. “A recommendation would be to avoid unnecessary trips to Italy.” Italy is the country with the highest number of confirmed sufferers in Europe.
On request from the Federal Office of Public Health, no measures are currently planned. But watch the “serious” situation in Italy closely. On Monday morning you will be informed about how to proceed. The authorities have also issued no travel warnings for Italy.
Every customs officer receives disinfectants
Roland Liebi, President of the Association of Customs and Border Guard Personnel, does not believe in the total closure of the border, increased border controls or temperature checks. “We shouldn’t overreact.” In any case, the customs staff would not have the resources to tackle such mammoth tasks: “This is utopian.” At the height of the refugee crisis in 2015, for example, the staff had already used their own resources to tackle the problem – an undertaking that, however, now seems to be a piece of cake when compared to nationwide coronavirus controls.
Liebi trusts the measures taken by the authorities. “In the event of epidemics, customs officers receive clear instructions on how to wash and disinfect their hands regularly.” Every tax collector receives personal disinfection material. “The customs authorities reorder accordingly so that there are no bottlenecks.” This is the responsibility of the departments.
The Federal Office of Public Health is responsible for determining what other customs measures are possible to contain the corona virus, Liebi says. During the Ebola outbreak, the customs offices were supplied with special emergency material. In addition, the federal government can also deploy the army medical troops for missions, such as is possible at airports.
(Per / PAM / bz)
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