Suspected 'Omicron' Case Found in Switzerland... "Infection Status Under Investigation"

by Lee Hyeonjoo

Published 29 Nov.2021 17:19(KST)

On the 28th (local time), protesters opposing the government's COVID-19 prevention measures clashed with riot police in front of the parliament building in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The Swiss people firmly supported the government's prevention measures, including the introduction of the "vaccine pass" (immunity certificate), in a national referendum held that day. The approval rate was 62.01%. 2021.11.29 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] A suspected case of the new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' has been reported in Switzerland.

The Federal Office of Public Health announced on Twitter on the night of the 28th (local time) that "the first suspected case of Omicron variant infection has occurred in Switzerland," and the suspected patient is "a person who returned from South Africa about a week ago."

An investigation to confirm the Omicron infection status is expected to continue for several days.

Earlier, the Swiss federal government banned direct flights from South Africa and other southern African regions to prevent the spread of Omicron.

Additionally, all travelers from countries where Omicron cases have been reported, such as Hong Kong and Israel, are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result and undergo a ten-day quarantine.