Vaccine demand rises in response to Covid certificate plans

The Swiss government’s decision to extend the use of Covid certificates from next Monday has led to a rise in the number of people seeking to get the Covid jab across the country. Many cantons are ramping up access to Covid vaccinations. But some people have been getting the jab reluctantly. On Wednesday the government said the Covid certificate, which shows if a person is vaccinated, tested or recovered, would be needed for indoor public spaces such as restaurants, culture events and leisure activities from September 13. The aim is to prevent pressure on hospitals, notably at intensive care units and prevent a temporary closure of shops and offices. Currently around 52% of the population is fully vaccinated, a lower rate than in many other European countries. Immediate effect In some places the effect was immediate: in canton Valais, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, almost 1,300 people signed up for a Covid vaccination on Wednesday, Swiss public television RTS...