Call to bring back testing for travellers

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Epidemiologists are calling for the return of compulsory testing for those returning to the country after travelling.

The 7-day average of infections has been steadily rising since the beginning of July – and the Federal Health Office says it’s those returning from vacation that are to blame.

Returnees make up 20% of those testing positive. 

Experts acknowledge there will be little point in bringing back the quarantine list. It was initially designed to keep out the Delta variant - but that now makes up the vast majority of infections.

Speaking to the Blick newspaper, epidemiologist, Andreas Cerny, says the best thing would be to bring back isolation requirements after travel – but realizes that’s a political non-starter. 

He says we should test – both the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated – when they come back from a trip. 
 

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