TheCity

Tag: Switzerland

  • Covid-19 abroad: Public health vs economy in Switzerland

    Covid-19 abroad: Public health vs economy in Switzerland

    Watch Nina Suter and Izzy Rowley discuss the situation in Switzerland

    Switzerland has vaccinated 2,431,709 people and is on its way out of a national lockdown.

    It’s clear that the country was hit hard by the crisis. The Swiss government recently announced that, at a conservative estimate, a third of the country’s population has been infected by Covid-19.

    However, when the country was facing its second wave of the virus the government was slow to respond, and many businesses remained open, including bars and clubs, resulting in a superspreader event.

    “As is probably the case everywhere, but especially here, the economy is really prioritised over health,” says Nina Suter, a Swiss native who is currently living in Zurich.

    “It’s wild when you have the Swiss Finance Minister [Ueli Maurer] saying ‘oh, we can’t afford a second lockdown,’ which is wild, this is one of the richest countries globally,” adds Suter.

    Zurich’s streets are finally opening up after a long lockdown. Image courtesy of H. Emre via Pexels.com

    The country is only now emerging from restrictions that were put in place to avoid a third wave, with restaurants and pubs allowed to open their outdoor seating.

    The government has introduced a new strategy of rapid self-testing. Swiss people will be able to obtain five tests per month each. It’s hoped that this will allow for early detection of the virus and will help to contain any new variants. 

  • World Cup Qualifing round Up

    World Cup Qualifing round Up

    Sopain are still the team to beat. credit telegraph.co.uk
    Sopain are still the team to beat. credit telegraph.co.uk

    As the dust settles on another world cup qualifying campaign, nine of Europe’s 13 teams are getting their bags ready for Brazil 2014.

    Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Russia, Switzerland and the Netherlands will all be jetting off next may for the biggest world cup ever.

    Despite drawing at home to Wales, in their final game, the Belgians won their group quite easily and with Kompany at the back Hazard, Lakaku and Benteke they look like a real force for the Brazilian world cup.

    The Germans beat Ireland 9-1 over the two games and have so many options all over the park.  Neuer in goal is as good as there is, Boetang and Dante are solid at the back, Lahm, Muller, Gotze, Kroos, Ozil and Gomez can all make 90 minutes seem like an eternity.

    The Italians will be hoping to collect their fifth Jules Rimet trophy. The Azzuri are always a threat and having reached the final of Euro 2012 are not to be discarded.  Buffon, De rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio and Ballotelli will all take looking after.

    The Jules Rimet trophy
    The Jules Rimet trophy. credit the liberty.ie

    The defending European and world champions took a spanking from Brazil at the confederations cup in June and with Puyol, Xavi and Iniesta all aging Spain might not be favourite to retain the prize they collected in Johannesburg in 2010.

    England under Hodgson looks more like a team than individuals.  Hart, Baines, Carrick, Gerrard and Wilshire all lay a great foundation for the attacking threats of Townend, Rooney, Sturidge and Wellbeck.  Don’t forget Walcott and the Ox either.

    Bosnia, Russia and Switzerland will all come to the table as first seeds but can’t really expect much more than a last 16 appearance.

    And finally the Dutch, My personal tip for International footballs greatest honour.  If they click at even 15% of what their capable of they could cruise to victory but if their pre-tournament antics continue they might not even score a goal.