Switzerland will no longer offer free coronavirus tests for non-vaccinated people from October, the government announced on Wednesday, pending agreement by the cantons to the plan.
"We asked ourselves why society as a whole has to pay for tests for people who get tested several times a month," said Health Minister Alain Berset.
Shifting the costs to the general public is no longer justifiable, he said, adding that, for people with symptoms of illness, the tests would continue to be free of charge.
About half of the Swiss population is fully vaccinated. Among 50- to 60-year-olds, the rate is about 70 per cent. There is still a lot of potential for additional vaccinations, Berset said.
Source: DPA
