Koch also stressed that the Federal Council and the authorities were preparing for an exit strategy. However, this would be communicated at the right time.

In the meantime there are over 20,000 proven infections in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Saturday, 4 April), and over 630 people died in connection with the Covid-19 disease. The authorities are appealing to the population to stay at home and continue to strictly adhere to the measures: Wash your hands, keep a distance of 2 metres. Sneeze and cough in the crook of your arm. Groups of more than 5 people are prohibited.

A transitional phase

The virus is setting the pace, said federal councillor Alain Berset in an interview with the SonntagsZeitung when asked how realistically he, as health minister, sees the relaxation of measures after 19 April, as demanded by various parties. At the moment, it seems illusory that much will be able to change by April 20. But from today's point of view, it is not possible to say when the first relaxation will be justifiable, he said.

"There will be no sudden exit but a transition with a regular easing of measures", said the health minister. "Only when we have passed the summit and the number of cases is falling, will we be able to move on to a new phase." Like everyone else, he would like to reach this point as early as possible. "But we must be patient and act responsibly," Berset stressed. "Experience shows that if you let up too soon, you prolong the crisis."

Based on AvS