Several Swiss guards have been infected with the corona virus. The infections were noticed at the weekend.
Four members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, which is responsible for the safety of Pope Francis (83), have tested positive for the corona virus, as Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni (43) has confirmed. "There are currently four people with symptoms; they have all been isolated," said Bruni, according to the Vatican News portal.
Mask compulsory even in the open air
Accordingly, attempts are currently being made to determine with whom the Swiss Guards were last in contact. Bruni also pointed out that all guardsmen – whether in a closed room or in the open air and whether on duty or not – must wear a suitable protective mask.
In the past three weeks, three more infections "among the residents and citizens of the Vatican State" were discovered. Those affected are said to have gone into self-isolation in their apartments and therefore had only mild symptoms.