Switzerland's government will pay for coronavirus testing, it said on Wednesday, as it approved the launch of its proximity tracing app from Thursday to prevent a resurgence of the virus as restrictions are relaxed, according to Reuters.

The government said it would take over costs for all virus and antibody tests, and would simplify the system for testing, effective from Thursday, the same day when an app to alert individuals potentially exposed to the virus will go live.

Switzerland's restrictions have been eased in recent weeks, with shops and schools reopening, along with restaurants — although with limits on the number of people allowed to be present.

Until now, coronavirus tests were partly paid for by the regional governments and individual health insurance schemes, meaning some people had to pay themselves.