Switzerland's health minister admitted that the government blundered in easing Covid-19 restrictions too far, resulting in some of Europe's fiercest infection rates during the pandemic's second wave.

Alain Berset said the Swiss approach put the emphasis on personal responsibility — but accepted that it had not worked. The virus will not vanish any time soon, he added, despite the roll-out of vaccinations.

Asked about Switzerland's mistakes, Berset told national broadcaster SRF: “There were some. In summer, we had the feeling that the worst was over. We were too loose.

"And then we were far too optimistic when we thought we could reopen the major events in autumn," he said.