COVID-⁠19 Switzerland

Virus variants

Variant monitoring in hospitals focusses on the sequencing of viral material from hospitalised cases. The targeted and thorough sequencing of the viral genome (genetic material of the virus) allows for the detection of mutations and the identification of virus variants. The data can be used to estimate the proportion of individual variants that occur in individuals who suffer a severe case of the disease, namely those who are hospitalised.
The data published here is based on information from the national genomic SARS-⁠CoV-⁠2 surveillance programme. The laboratories of university hospitals and larger regional hospitals as well as selected private laboratories and sequencing programmes are affiliated to the programme. (National genomic SARS-⁠CoV-⁠2 surveillance programme – monthly reports). Current surveillance covers all relevant virus variants as well as subvariants that should be monitored according to the WHO due to their high level of transmissibility and/or immune-⁠evasive characteristics. The graph is updated continuously in line with the current state of development.

The novel coronavirus (SARS-⁠CoV-⁠2), which causes the infectious disease COVID-⁠19 is constantly changing due to mutations in its genome (changes in the genetic code). Virus variants are designated and classified on the basis of these mutations. Most mutations have little or no impact on the properties of the virus. However, some SARS-⁠CoV-⁠2 variants are characterised by altered pathogen properties which can influence the epidemiological situation, for example because they are more contagious, cause more serious illness or evade a person’s immune response even though they have had an infection or have been vaccinated (immune evasion). For most known variants there is still a high level of protection against severe courses of the disease for people who are fully vaccinated. For some variants there are still no conclusive findings.

The WHO has classified individual virus variants as VOCs (Variants of Concern) and VOIs (Variants of Interest). These virus variants are being specifically monitored. In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the classification of variants may differ from that of the WHO. Experts regularly evaluate the latest evidence on known and emerging virus variants and assess the potential impact of the circulating virus variants on the epidemiological situation in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Recently, the time frame desired can be selected with the slider below the graph.