Covid, November 13: 553 deaths in Switzerland this week as infection rate slows

Deaths because of and with Covid19

Over the 7 days to 13 November 2020, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reported 553 deaths among laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases, bringing the death toll to 1,229 since summer and 2,960 since the beginning of the year.

The 553 reported deaths this week represent 19% of the total so far, making the last 7 days the deadliest 7-day period since the virus arrived in Switzerland.

There are currently 3,945 Covid-19 patients in hospitals across Switzerland, according to FOPH figures published by RTS, a number significantly above the peak during the first wave.

Total Covid-19 deaths in Switzerland since the beginning of the pandemic have now reached 3,235, of which 2,960 were laboratory confirmed infections.

Daily Fatalities Switzerland, November 13

Source: corona-data.ch - Click to enlarge

Hospitalisations

Switzerland is currently using 77% of its current intensive care capacity (1,142 places), according to SRF. The number of Covid patients in intensive care has reached 512, a number close the previous high point of 558 reached on 28 March 2020.

Change in Hospitalizations, November 13

Source: corona-data.ch - Click to enlarge

New Infections

At the same time, progress has been made on slowing the spread of the virus. Over the last 7 days, FOPH reported 45,222 new confirmed infections, a figure 22% lower than the 57,660 new infections reported the week before.

On 13 November 2020, Switzerland’s 14-day infection rate was 1,094 per 100,000 down from 1,192 a week earlier.

Daily Reported Cases Switzerland, November 13

Source: corona-data.ch - Click to enlarge

13-day COVID-19 case notification rate per 100 000

Source: ecdc.europa.eu - Click to enlarge