The number of corona cases in Switzerland continues to rise sharply. In addition, there are more cases in which double-vaccinated seniors become infected with the coronavirus. This also shows that caution is called for again, especially with risk groups. With them, the vaccination protection first decreases because they were also vaccinated first.
We know from the previous waves: Older people are particularly at risk in the pandemic. Until the vaccinations were given, the result was often isolation. Contact restrictions were dramatic for months. Spontaneous visits to grandpa and grandpa were not possible.
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So what conclusions can be drawn from these experiences for this winter? Can older people still shop without worries, visit their grandchildren or go to restaurants and use public transport? Or does it apply to the grandparents: from lockdown to booster vaccination?
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The good news first: “A winter without personal contacts is not necessary,” says Rudolf Hauri (60), the highest canton doctor in Switzerland, to Blick. It can indeed be seen that vaccination protection is currently falling somewhat, especially among older people – but good basic immunization is still available. “Most of the people who are currently seriously ill with Covid are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.”
Public transport, restaurants, hugging children: anything is possible
That is why he recommends a booster vaccination all the more to all vaccinated over 65-year-olds: “With this booster, the vaccination protection is further improved.” Until then, according to Hauri, senior citizens do not have to isolate themselves completely. And don’t miss out on contacts. “In general there is nothing to be said against using public transport and eating in restaurants. In any case, the wearing of a mask is mandatory in public transport and a certificate is required in restaurants. Hugging children or picking them up from daycare is also possible, ”the senior canton doctor puts into perspective.
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And yet again special caution is required: It is a matter of vaccinated persons avoiding close contact with people with symptoms. The rules would also apply after the booster. Because: The effectiveness of the vaccination is very high, but it is not 100 percent. Hauri recommends people who experience symptoms of the disease to have themselves tested in advance if they have any doubts – especially if people who are particularly at risk are present.
“This also applies in particular to children who show no symptoms, but who, for example, have had cases in the class within the last ten days before a visit.” In addition, regular and good ventilation and good hand hygiene are still important, says Rudolf Hauri.
Now the time of loneliness and sadness begins
Even at Pro Senectute, the Swiss specialist and service organization for age issues, one does not see black. “We know that the vaccination and especially the booster vaccination offer very good protection for particularly vulnerable people. But the virus is not gone and continues to require discipline from everyone, ”says Tatjana Kistler, who is responsible for the media, to Blick. With open communication within the family, however, one can create good conditions to still see each other. Specifically, this means: addressing vaccination issues, complying with hygiene measures, taking care of certificates.
Pro Senectute even explicitly appeals to everyone to maintain contact with older people in particular, and to do so regularly – especially in winter and also with a view to Advent and Christmas. “For many older people, this is a time of loneliness and sadness,” says Kistler.