Switzerland deploys army to help hospitals handle pandemic

Switzerland faced with the second wave of coronavirus. To cope the pandemic, the federal government approved deploying up to 2,500 military personnel, Reuters said.

The Swiss army will help the authorities in their effort to slow the next wave of the COVID-19 infections. On Wednesday, the Alpine nation reported more than 10,000 new cases.

In his recent message, health minister Alain Berset has described the epidemiological situation. Across the country, there are 600 patients in intensive care units, half of them due to the novel pathogen.

According to the health authorities, any delay deteriorating situation badly. With the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases is rising sharply and with it the number of hospitalisations and patients in intensive care units. “Since Tuesday, 27 October 2020, several cantons have submitted requests for military support”, the Swiss Cabinet said.

despite Switzerland does not have a professional army, all adult males can be called up for military service. The government added that the military may be used to assist with the transport of infected people.

As of November 4th, the Alpine nation has reported some 200,000 infections and some 2,500 deaths from the COVID-19 infection.