COVID-⁠19 Switzerland

Virus variants

The data published by us is based on reports from laboratories that sequence the virus material or specifically examine it for mutations. The test results are recorded via our reporting system as well as via a national SARS-⁠⁠CoV-⁠⁠2 monitoring programme. They may differ from the numbers communicated by the cantons and Liechtenstein.

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.