Switzerland said Wednesday it was prepared to spend more than a billion dollars on testing for asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, saying they were probably responsible for most new infections.

Health Minister Alain Berset said the government would assume the estimated costs of around one billion Swiss francs ($1.12 billion, 930 million euros) of testing people who are not showing coronavirus symptoms.

"It&nbsp;is believed that more than half of Covid-19 infections are transmitted by people who do not display symptoms and are unaware that they actually have the virus," said a government statement.

"The federal government will now pay for persons without symptoms to be tested so that those who are particularly vulnerable can be better protected and local outbreaks of infection can be contained early on."

It said by assuming the cost burden, it hoped to be able to identify outbreaks in settings like schools and care homes sooner.

"This is particularly important in view of the fact that new, more infectious strains of the coronavirus are currently spreading in Switzerland," the government said.

The wealthy Alpine nation of 8.6 million people has registered more than 515,000 cases during the pandemic and nearly 8,500 deaths.

The epidemiological situation is improving slowly, the government said.&nbsp;

But it added that it remains "greatly concerned" by the number of cases of the new virus variants, which accounted for 10 percent of positive tests last week -- a percentage that is doubling each week.

"No democratic and open society has found a perfect solution to fight the pandemic," Swiss President Guy Parmelin told a press conference in the capital Bern.

- Shorter quarantine with test -

Switzerland is changing its quarantine rules from February 8, meaning those told to self-isolate can come out of quarantine after seven days, rather than 10, with a negative test result.

The rule also applies to incoming travellers from a country with a high risk of infection.

Everyone arriving in landlocked Switzerland by air, boat, bus or train must complete an online form, not just those from high-risk countries as before.

All arrivals by air will need to show a negative test result before boarding the plane.

Finance Minister Ueli Maurer said Switzerland had spent 15 billion Swiss francs tackling the pandemic in 2020 and was now racking up 150 million francs of debt every day.

Nearly 2.3 percent of the population have received their first Covid-19 vaccine injection, broadcaster RTS said.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis revealed that government ministers had received their first vaccination dose in mid-January -- something not made public at the time -- even though none of them are in the vulnerable categories currently being immunised.&nbsp;

"We only have seven ministers, not 21 like some other countries," he told CH Media newspapers, as he raised the prospect of government being unable to continue if several ministers fell ill with the virus.

Switzerland said Wednesday it was prepared to spend more than a billion dollars on testing for asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, saying they were probably responsible for most new infections.

Switzerland said Wednesday it was prepared to spend more than a billion dollars on testing for asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, saying they were probably responsible for most new infections. Health Minister Alain Berset said the government would assume the estimated costs of around one billion Swiss francs ($1.12 billion, 930 million euros) of testing people who are not showing coronavirus symptoms. "It is believed that more than half of Covid-19 infections are transmitted by people who do not display symptoms and are unaware that they actually have the virus," said a government statement. "The federal government will now pay for persons without symptoms to be tested so that those who are particularly vulnerable can be better protected and local outbreaks of infection can be contained early on." It said by assuming the cost burden, it hoped to be able to identify outbreaks in settings like schools and care homes sooner. "This is particularly important in view of the fact that new, more infectious strains of the coronavirus are currently spreading in Switzerland," the government said. The wealthy Alpine nation of 8.6 million people has registered more than 515,000 cases during the pandemic and nearly 8,500 deaths. The epidemiological situation is improving slowly, the government said. But it added that it remains "greatly concerned" by the number of cases of the new virus variants, which accounted for 10 percent of positive tests last week -- a percentage that is doubling each week. "No democratic and open society has found a perfect solution to fight the pandemic," Swiss President Guy Parmelin told a press conference in the capital Bern. - Shorter quarantine with test - Switzerland is changing its quarantine rules from February 8, meaning those told to self-isolate can come out of quarantine after seven days, rather than 10, with a negative test result. The rule also applies to incoming travellers from a country with a high risk of infection. Everyone arriving in landlocked Switzerland by air, boat, bus or train must complete an online form, not just those from high-risk countries as before. All arrivals by air will need to show a negative test result before boarding the plane. Finance Minister Ueli Maurer said Switzerland had spent 15 billion Swiss francs tackling the pandemic in 2020 and was now racking up 150 million francs of debt every day. Nearly 2.3 percent of the population have received their first Covid-19 vaccine injection, broadcaster RTS said. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis revealed that government ministers had received their first vaccination dose in mid-January -- something not made public at the time -- even though none of them are in the vulnerable categories currently being immunised. "We only have seven ministers, not 21 like some other countries," he told CH Media newspapers, as he raised the prospect of government being unable to continue if several ministers fell ill with the virus.

Swiss to spend $1bn on asymptomatic Covid-19 testing

Swiss authorities have ordered 300 people to be put into quarantine after a superspreader led to an outbreak of the novel coronavirus at a Zurich nightclub.

A man who had been at the Flamingo Club a week ago tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, and that five people who were with him there were then tested and also were positive and reported to authorities on Friday.

Working from a list of guests provided by the club, officials ordered others who attended the do into quarantine on Saturday for 10 days.

Swiss officials say if there are more superspreader type events in clubs they will have to resort to closing such facilities again.

Switzerland has so far reported 69 new cases overnight from Friday to Saturday for a total of 31,555 cases; 1,681 people have died.

Swiss authorities have ordered 300 people to be put into quarantine after a superspreader led to an outbreak of the novel coronavirus at a Zurich nightclub. A man who had been at the Flamingo Club a week ago tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, and that five people who were with him there were then tested and also were positive and reported to authorities on Friday.

Swiss authorities have ordered 300 people to be put into quarantine after a superspreader led to an outbreak of the novel coronavirus at a Zurich nightclub. A man who had been at the Flamingo Club a week ago tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, and that five people who were with him there were then tested and also were positive and reported to authorities on Friday. Working from a list of guests provided by the club, officials ordered others who attended the do into quarantine on Saturday for 10 days. Swiss officials say if there are more superspreader type events in clubs they will have to resort to closing such facilities again. Switzerland has so far reported 69 new cases overnight from Friday to Saturday for a total of 31,555 cases; 1,681 people have died.

Swiss authorities quarantine 300 people after outbreak in Zurich nightclub

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-pep-guardiola-donates-one-million-euros-to-medical-college-in-spain-288334">Coronavirus: Pep Guardiola donates one million euros to medical college in Spain</a>

One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing.

Roger Federer wrote on social media, "These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss Francs to the most vulnerable families in Switzerland."&nbsp;

"Our contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis. Stay healthy."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/l0bnPPKEQe">pic.twitter.com/l0bnPPKEQe</a>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1242782285222612994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Many sports icon such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi have donated huge amounts to fight the global pandemic. Cristiano Ronaldo and football agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday will provide lifesaving equipment to Portuguese hospitals struggling to treat patients with coronavirus.

The two will be donating equipment for two wards at Lisbon's Santa Maria hospital. According to the hospital's statement, they will provide the wards with 10 beds each, ventilators, heart monitors, infusion pumps and syringes.

Pep Guardiola earlier donated one million euros to a medical college in Barcelona to combat the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi split his one million euro donation into two halves, one half went to a hospital in Spain, whereas the other half went to his native country Argentina.&nbsp;

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic.

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Coronavirus: Pep Guardiola donates one million euros to medical college in Spain One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing. Roger Federer wrote on social media, "These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss Francs to the most vulnerable families in Switzerland." "Our contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis. Stay healthy." pic.twitter.com/l0bnPPKEQe — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 25, 2020 × Many sports icon such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi have donated huge amounts to fight the global pandemic. Cristiano Ronaldo and football agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday will provide lifesaving equipment to Portuguese hospitals struggling to treat patients with coronavirus. The two will be donating equipment for two wards at Lisbon's Santa Maria hospital. According to the hospital's statement, they will provide the wards with 10 beds each, ventilators, heart monitors, infusion pumps and syringes. Pep Guardiola earlier donated one million euros to a medical college in Barcelona to combat the novel coronavirus. Lionel Messi split his one million euro donation into two halves, one half went to a hospital in Spain, whereas the other half went to his native country Argentina.

'Together we can overcome this crisis', Roger Federer donates one million Swiss Franc to helpless families amid COVID-19

As American health authorities say they expect the novel coronavirus to eventually spread in the United States, the city of San Francisco in California declares emergency to prepare for the virus.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-is-chinas-biggest-health-emergency-president-xi-jinping-282217">Coronavirus is China's 'biggest health emergency' —&nbsp;President Xi Jinping</a>

Local governments, businesses, and schools asked to develop plans to combat the virus-like cancelling mass gatherings or switching to teleworking.

Health authorities have warned that an outbreak can threaten drug supplies. They added that there could be an outbreak any time and residents must remain prepared.

Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea reports more than 1,100 cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-south-korea-reports-more-than-1100-cases-282751/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Officials are also worried that the outbreak might pose a threat to the security of the US drug supply chain. Remember, a high proportion of ingredients used to make medicine is made in China, where the virus was first identified.

"It is not so much of a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more of a question of exactly when this will happen," said Dr Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases, reported The New York Times.&nbsp;

At least 57 people have so far tested positive for coronavirus in the US.Shortly after the announcement, the city of San Francisco declared an emergency despite having any confirmed coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump praised his administration over coronavirus preparedness, saying that the country has not reported any casualty.

Trump also fired shots at opposition democrats accusing them of trying to undermine the government's efforts.

The US Has been stepping up measures to contain coronavirus as the disease claimed a &nbsp;number of fatalities in countries outside of china including Italy and Iran.

As American health authorities say they expect the novel coronavirus to eventually spread in the United States, the city of San Francisco in California declares emergency to prepare for the virus.

As American health authorities say they expect the novel coronavirus to eventually spread in the United States, the city of San Francisco in California declares emergency to prepare for the virus. Also read: Coronavirus is China's 'biggest health emergency' — President Xi Jinping Local governments, businesses, and schools asked to develop plans to combat the virus-like cancelling mass gatherings or switching to teleworking. Health authorities have warned that an outbreak can threaten drug supplies. They added that there could be an outbreak any time and residents must remain prepared. Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea reports more than 1,100 cases Officials are also worried that the outbreak might pose a threat to the security of the US drug supply chain. Remember, a high proportion of ingredients used to make medicine is made in China, where the virus was first identified. "It is not so much of a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more of a question of exactly when this will happen," said Dr Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases, reported The New York Times. At least 57 people have so far tested positive for coronavirus in the US.Shortly after the announcement, the city of San Francisco declared an emergency despite having any confirmed coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump praised his administration over coronavirus preparedness, saying that the country has not reported any casualty. Trump also fired shots at opposition democrats accusing them of trying to undermine the government's efforts. The US Has been stepping up measures to contain coronavirus as the disease claimed a number of fatalities in countries outside of china including Italy and Iran.

Coronavirus outbreak: State of emergency declared in San Francisco

The reported cases of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-is-chinas-biggest-health-emergency-president-xi-jinping-282217">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;have now spiked to over 80,000 worldwide. While at least 2,715 people have been killed.

The virus has been quickly spreading to West Asia and Europe. In the lastest coming in Switzerland and Algeria have confirmed their first cases of coronavirus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-is-chinas-biggest-health-emergency-president-xi-jinping-282217">Coronavirus is China's 'biggest health emergency': President Xi Jinping</a>

Moving from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea have now become virus hotbeds.

Meanwhile, the situation continues to worsen in West Asia. Iran's deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi himself has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-is-chinas-biggest-health-emergency-president-xi-jinping-282217">coronavirus </a>outbreak in Iran started in the Holy city of Qom and has now spread to several cities. Iran infected cases now stand at 95 while 3 more deaths were reported taking the death toll in the country to 15.

Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea reports more than 1,100 cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-south-korea-reports-more-than-1100-cases-282751/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Afghanistan and Iraq reported their first cases.Gulf states are now trying to cut their link with Iran amid virus spread.

Outside China, the virus has also been fast-spreading in Europe. With Italy being the worst hit. It was reported 11 deaths till now.

The virus has spread outside the northern province of Lombardy.54 new cases have been confirmed taking the infected toll to 287.

This is the highest number of infections outside Asia. The UK has warned its citizen against travelling to Italian coronavirus towns.

Facing tough questions about the government's handling of the outbreak, prime minister Giuseppe Conte tried to allay the fears. He said that the health system was excellent and robust precautionary measures are being taken to contain the virus.

Several Italian cities have been put under lockdown. An estimate of 100000 people have been put under quarantine.

Back in Asia, South Korea is also struggling to contain the outbreak.11 people have died while a total of 1,100 people have been infected.

For the first time since 2009, the country raised its highest level of alert.

This means authorities can shut down schools, suspend public gatherings and take other restrictive measures.

Even though new cases are being reported in China, it seems that the worst is over for the dragon.

Across the country, 25,000 people were discharged from hospitals after recovering from the deadly infection.

The world health organisation commended china for its actions — saying it prevented hundreds of thousands of coronavirus cases.

Meanwhile, markets continue to react badly as coronavirus spreads across the world. Stocks, oil continue to fall further on accelerating coronavirus concerns.

Wall street was seen plunging as coronavirus spread sends investors fleeing.

The reported cases of the coronavirus have now spiked to over 80,000 worldwide. While at least 2,715 people have been killed. The virus has been quickly spreading to West Asia and Europe.

The reported cases of the coronavirus have now spiked to over 80,000 worldwide. While at least 2,715 people have been killed. The virus has been quickly spreading to West Asia and Europe. In the lastest coming in Switzerland and Algeria have confirmed their first cases of coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus is China's 'biggest health emergency': President Xi Jinping Moving from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea have now become virus hotbeds. Meanwhile, the situation continues to worsen in West Asia. Iran's deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi himself has tested positive for the coronavirus. The coronavirus outbreak in Iran started in the Holy city of Qom and has now spread to several cities. Iran infected cases now stand at 95 while 3 more deaths were reported taking the death toll in the country to 15. Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea reports more than 1,100 cases Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Afghanistan and Iraq reported their first cases.Gulf states are now trying to cut their link with Iran amid virus spread. Outside China, the virus has also been fast-spreading in Europe. With Italy being the worst hit. It was reported 11 deaths till now. The virus has spread outside the northern province of Lombardy.54 new cases have been confirmed taking the infected toll to 287. This is the highest number of infections outside Asia. The UK has warned its citizen against travelling to Italian coronavirus towns. Facing tough questions about the government's handling of the outbreak, prime minister Giuseppe Conte tried to allay the fears. He said that the health system was excellent and robust precautionary measures are being taken to contain the virus. Several Italian cities have been put under lockdown. An estimate of 100000 people have been put under quarantine. Back in Asia, South Korea is also struggling to contain the outbreak.11 people have died while a total of 1,100 people have been infected. For the first time since 2009, the country raised its highest level of alert. This means authorities can shut down schools, suspend public gatherings and take other restrictive measures. Even though new cases are being reported in China, it seems that the worst is over for the dragon. Across the country, 25,000 people were discharged from hospitals after recovering from the deadly infection. The world health organisation commended china for its actions — saying it prevented hundreds of thousands of coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, markets continue to react badly as coronavirus spreads across the world. Stocks, oil continue to fall further on accelerating coronavirus concerns. Wall street was seen plunging as coronavirus spread sends investors fleeing.

Coronavirus outbreak: 2,715 killed, reported cases spike to over 80,000 

Switzerland reported its first case of new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/markets-end-lower-for-third-session-on-coronavirus-worries-282681">coronavirus</a> on Tuesday as the death toll in Iran rose to 15 with nearly hundred infected in the country.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-disinfects-traditional-market-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-282478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As the virus spread in Iran, The United Arab Emirates halted all passenger and cargo flights to and from Iran.

Iran had reported the first two deaths due to the virus in Qom last week with the country's deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi admitting he too was infected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-hotel-in-tenerife-locked-down-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-282682">Also Read: Spanish hotel in Tenerife locked down amid coronavirus outbreak</a>

Iran has shut schools, universities and cultural centres until the end of the week due to the virus as the &nbsp;United States expressed concern that Iran may have "suppressed vital details" about the outbreak.

"All nations including Iran should tell the truth about the coronavirus and cooperate with international aid organisations," &nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Switzerland's federal health office confirmed first case of coronavirus in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-set-up-face-mask-factory-amid-coronavirus-panic-buying-282539">Also Read: Hong Kongers set up face mask factory amid coronavirus panic buying</a>

The case was found in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton on the border with Italy.

The head of a joint WHO-China mission of experts said that the world is "simply not ready" to rein in the new coronavirus outbreak.

"You have to be ready to manage this at a larger scale... and it has to be done fast," Bruce Aylward told reporters in Geneva.

Switzerland reported its first case of new coronavirus on Tuesday as the death toll in Iran rose to 15 with nearly hundred infected in the country. Watch Video: As the virus spread in Iran, The United Arab Emirates halted all passenger and cargo flights to and from Iran.

Switzerland reported its first case of new coronavirus on Tuesday as the death toll in Iran rose to 15 with nearly hundred infected in the country. Watch Video: As the virus spread in Iran, The United Arab Emirates halted all passenger and cargo flights to and from Iran. Iran had reported the first two deaths due to the virus in Qom last week with the country's deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi admitting he too was infected. Also Read: Spanish hotel in Tenerife locked down amid coronavirus outbreak Iran has shut schools, universities and cultural centres until the end of the week due to the virus as the United States expressed concern that Iran may have "suppressed vital details" about the outbreak. "All nations including Iran should tell the truth about the coronavirus and cooperate with international aid organisations," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. Meanwhile, Switzerland's federal health office confirmed first case of coronavirus in the country. Also Read: Hong Kongers set up face mask factory amid coronavirus panic buying The case was found in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton on the border with Italy. The head of a joint WHO-China mission of experts said that the world is "simply not ready" to rein in the new coronavirus outbreak. "You have to be ready to manage this at a larger scale... and it has to be done fast," Bruce Aylward told reporters in Geneva.

Iran death toll rises as Switzerland reports first coronavirus case