Swiss Covid experts are urging the public to start wearing face masks once more, just three years after the Covid-19 pandemic was officially declared over. This comes as Covid cases continue to surge across the UK, with health officials anticipating a broader spike in viral infections throughout the winter months.
Swiss immunologists have stressed wearing a face mask can significantly help curb the transmission of viruses such as Covid. While the guidance is primarily aimed at those most at risk of developing severe illness from viral infections – including elderly people or those with weakened immune systems – they also note that people who aren’t vulnerable could opt to wear a mask as well. During the height of the pandemic across the UK, the government implemented compulsory rules requiring face coverings in specific public venues where the danger of virus transmission was greatest, including shops, supermarkets, public transport, and NHS facilities.
Tanja Stadler, an epidemiologist at ETH Zurich and chair of the Swiss Confederation’s Covid scientific task force, told SonntagsZeitung: « In crowded, enclosed spaces, such as public transportation, it’s advisable for vulnerable people-those over 65 or those with compromised immune systems. Even those who aren’t vulnerable can protect themselves from troublesome infections and, at the same time, show solidarity with others. »
Tanja emphasised, however, that she is not calling on respective governments to impose another compulsory face mask mandate like that witnessed during the height of the pandemic. Rather, she suggested authorities should establish a ‘virus bulletin’ to help warn people of potential virus hotspots.
She continued: « Data on the spread of viruses already exists, but it’s not easily accessible to the public. Making it available would help those who want to protect themselves act accordingly. »
Likewise, Marcel Tanner, a professor emeritus of public health at the University of Basel and a former member of the Covid Task Force, stated: « After everything we’ve learned, it would be logical for anyone with a cold to wear a mask, at least on public transportation. »
Covid’s current situation in the UK
According to the latest data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), from October 3, there has been a significant uprate in Covid cases per week. In the week leading up to September 24, there were 2,459 newly confirmed cases.
Whereas by September 10, there was a 7.6 per cent increases in cases across England compared to the previous week. Most of these new cases is being driven by the new Stratus strain of Coronavirus which has two variants – XFG and XFG.3.
This new variant has been reported to cause a significantly severe hoarse voice alongside the usual symptoms such as a fever and fatigue. However, experts have highlighted that current data suggests there is no reason to believe the current variant is any more deadly than other variants that are also currently in circulation.
Dr Allen from the UKHSA said: “Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them.”
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisaton has said the XFG strand also poses a ‘low risk’ around the world. It said: « XFG is growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants globally. However, XFG exhibits only marginal additional immune evasion over [other variant] LP.8.1.
« While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalisations in some of the [southeast Asia region] countries, which has the highest proportion of XFG, there are no reports to suggest that the associated disease severity is higher as compared to other circulating variants. The available evidence on XFG does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages.”
