Immigrants are boosting Zurich’s population growth; Swiss flu season could start earlier this year; plus more news in our roundup this Monday.
Zurich’s population continues to grow thanks to immigrants
A new study by UBS bank reveals the scale of a phenomenon known as “internal migration” in Zurich: between 2021 and 2025, the city lost more than 21,500 residents to other municipalities and cantons – mostly due to housing shortage and high rents.
At the same time, nearly 38,000 foreign nationals had settled in Zurich; therefore, even as some of its existing residents are moving elsewhere, the city’s population continues to grow thanks to immigration.
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Flu season could start earlier in Switzerland this year
According to infectious diseases specialist Jan Fehr, flu season typically begins in Switzerland toward the end of December and reaches its peak in January.
This year, however, first cases have already been recorded, though the severity of the disease “will ultimately depend on population’s immunity, viral variants, and weather conditions.”
It will also be determined by how soon Switzerland will receive the flu vaccine, as so far, the country is experiencing delivery delays.
READ MORE: Will delays mean Switzerland lacks enough flu vaccines this winter?
Due to fuel shortage, government is considering reducing speed limits on motorways
Faced with “tensions in the Swiss energy market,” the federal government released 45 million litres of diesel on Friday—equivalent to nearly 4 percent of its mandatory reserves.
Now, the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) is mulling another drastic measure – to temporarily impose an 80- km/h speed limit on Swiss motorways to replace the usual 120-km/hour maximums.
This move is seen as a possible solution to cut fuel consumption and therefore avoid further tapping into mandatory reserves.
SWISS airline postpones its Dubai-bound flights
The resumption of the flights between Zurich and Dubai, suspended since February 28th, is facing further delays.
Originally scheduled to take off today, October 27th, the re-launch is now postponed by almost a month.
Due to ongoing “tense situation “ in the Middle East, the flights will restart on November 25th, the airline said.
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