Switzerland allowing under-10s to visit and hug grandparents as scientists claim ‘can’t pass on coronavirus’

SWITZERLAND is to allow kids under ten to visit and hug grandparents again after scientists there ruled youngsters cannot pass on the virus.

The Federal Office of Public Health claimed children pose “no risk” to the elderly but said contact should be kept brief.

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It follows research at Zurich, Bern and Geneva universities into infection rates among children.

Coronavirus spokesman Dr Daniel Koch said: “We now know that young children don’t transmit the virus.”

He said of the few kids who contract it, most are infected by their parents.

He added: “That is why small children pose no risk to high-risk patients or grandparents.”

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He said family get-togethers, babysitting and time outside with other kids were still forbidden.

His advice puts Switzerland — with 29,264 cases, 1,699 deaths — at odds with other countries, including the UK, where the elderly have been told to self-isolate.

The UK’s chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty said it was “prudent” for grandparents who should be shielding not to put themselves at any risk.

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