- This event has passed.
Press conference: yes to the Epidemics Act
13 August 2013
On behalf of the Federal Council, Alain Berset recommends accepting the revised Epidemics Act, put to the vote on 22 September. The 1970 act no longer offers enough protection against threats such as SARS. The revision is to enable the Confederation and the cantons to act faster, manage crises better and combat antibiotic resistance and hospital infections, which cause some 2,000 deaths a year.
The Basel State Councillor Carlo Conti brings the support of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Health Directors. Vaccination practice, based on voluntary participation, does not change; compulsory vaccination could only target specific groups, in a crisis situation and for a limited period.
Sources