1. Overview
Since the lifting of protective measures (1 April 2022), a slow but steady decline in new COVID-19 infections has been observed. However, since the beginning of June, the increase in viral circulation has been confirmed: the Omicron variant, which is the predominant one in the world, continues to spread; its two sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5, which are more transmissible than BA.2 but not, in principle, more virulent, are now the predominant ones in Geneva and are responsible for the current rebound.
Vaccination
Primary vaccination and the first booster dose are still recommended for the entire population. They prevent severe forms of the disease and hospitalisation.
Since 5 July 2022, the renewal of the booster vaccination (also known as 2nd booster) is recommended for people aged 80 years and over, in order to increase their protection against a severe course of the disease since, due to their age, these people are more at risk of contracting a severe form of COVID-19. Recommendation for the 2nd booster vaccination renewal also applies to any person over 12 years of age with severe immunodeficiency. At present, the 2nd booster is not recommended for other groups of people.
Protective measures
It is up to the various institutions and structures as well as the population to assess the situation and act accordingly.
It is still recommended that everyone applies the following trio of good practices:
- Hand hygiene (with soap and water or hydroalcoholic gel),
- Regular ventilation,
- Wearing a mask when you consider it necessary (for example in crowded and poorly ventilated places and when you have symptoms).
Some places require or strongly recommend wearing a mask: please follow their instructions carefully.
More information
- How to protect yourself from Coronavirus ?
- How to protect high risk people ?
- Federal office of public health (FOPH)
All the Geneva COVID-19 information lines