18/03/2020
Keep your distance.
Keep your distance from other people. Infection with the new coronavirus can occur through close (less than 2 metres) and prolonged (over 15 minutes) contact with someone who is already infected. You can protect yourself and others by keeping your distance.
Avoid large gatherings that you aren’t obliged to attend.
Leave space between you and the person in front of you when standing in line (for example at the checkout, post office or canteen).
At meetings leave a seat free between you and the person next to you.
Keep your distance from people around you at especially high risk.
Keep visits to care homes and hospitals to a minimum.
Keep your distance on public transport
The public transport network is vital to the functioning of the economy, and is relied on by many people. The basic service will therefore be provided as normal. However, if a lot of people use public transport at the same time, they cannot keep their distance from each other and so risk becoming infected with the new coronavirus.
Avoid using public transport
If possible, go to work on foot or by bicycle.
Do not use public transport if you have symptoms such as a cough or temperature.
Avoid using public transport if you are over 65 years old.
For everyone else, the following applies:
Avoid using public transport if possible, particularly at peak times.
Only use public transport for essential journeys.
If you have to use public transport for some essential reason, observe the hygiene recommendations.
Avoid shaking hands.
Depending on what we have just touched, our hands may not always be clean. Infectious droplets from coughs or sneezes can be on the hands. They can reach the mouth, nose or eyes if you touch them. It’s therefore important to avoid shaking hands. We can protect ourselves from being infected:
Avoid kissing and shaking hands to greet people.
If possible keep some distance from the person you’re talking to.
It’s better not to touch the nose, mouth and eyes.
If possible avoid large gatherings of people, especially if you are one of the people at espe-cially high risk. People at especially high risk are those over age 65, and people with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, conditions and therapies that weaken the immune system, or cancer.
Always call ahead before going to the doctor’s or the emergency department.
Always call ahead before going to the doctor’s or the emergency department.
If you are only experiencing mild symptoms such as a temperature and a cough you don’t need to call a doctor. Doctors and healthcare facilities only have limited capacity, so we want to ensure it is used as effectively as possible.
However, if you are a vulnerable person, or if your symptoms get worse (high temperature, breathing difficulties or shortness of breath), call a doctor or healthcare facility.
Vulnerable persons are people over the age of 65, and those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer or conditions and therapies that weaken the immune system.
Call your doctor to see if you need to make an appointment.
Notify your doctor if you are among those at high risk.
Only go to a hospital emergency department independently if your condition deteriorates and your doctor cannot be reached. In such cases, you must still call ahead.
Recommendations for people over 65 and those with a pre-existing condition
Are you over age 65 years, or do you have a pre-existing condition (high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases or cancer)? Then we recommend the following:
Avoid public transport as far as possible.
Do your shopping outside busy times, or have a friend or neighbour do the shopping for you.
Avoid places with a lot of people, for example cinemas, concerts, sporting events, meetings and get-togethers in groups.
Do not visit ill or weakened people at home or visit nursing homes and hospitals.
Avoid unnecessary business and private meetings.
Reduce visits to nursing homes and hospitals to a minimum.
Avoid contact with ill people.
If you have difficulties breathing, a cough or fever, stay at home. Immediately phone your doctor or a hospital. Say that you’re calling in connection with the novel coronavirus and are at a higher risk of illness. Describe your symptoms.
Recommendations for old people’s homes and nursing homes
Nursing and old people’s homes should prohibit visits to safeguard their residents as far as possible from infection.
The information campaign website
www.foph-coronavirus.ch
Recommendations for travellers
There is a risk of becoming infected with the new coronavirus in almost all parts of the world. The WHO has not yet issued any travel restrictions. Many airports have introduced stricter passenger monitoring procedures. You can find advice on what to be aware...
Last modification 17.03.2020
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Communicable Diseases Division
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003 Berne
Switze
