Handy Signal Static; Rumble At The Rave; Doctors Threaten Halt To Vaccination

News For 11 May 2021

As of March 31st, the mobile phone tower operated by Swisscom in Riehen has been decommissioned.  The network operator has been looking for new locations to construct towers needed to provide 5G service to their customers, without success.  Apparently, 88 people have managed to successfully petition regulators to prevent the construction of the tower in Riehen, on the grounds that they do nothing to improve lives or meet any needs of the community, while also triggering fears about health and safety.  This has left portions of Riehen in a cellular service dead-zone, unable to get mobile internet service.   ********** A mass brawl involving 20 people unfolded on Uferstrasse in Basel at 2 AM on Saturday, resulting in four people being injured, one of which sustained life threatening injuries. The incident erupted during an illegal rave concert which had been taking place in the Basel harbour area, and had been attended by approximately 1000 people. A 15 year old was stabbed and was immediately taken to the emergency hospital in Lorrach, where they had to undergo emergency surgery. Police promptly arrived to deal with the incident, and had to use gas spray to break up the violent dispute. The reason for the incident is still being investigated by the Prosecutors office in the Base-Stadt, but they have announced that a 22 year old swiss citizen has been arrested in connection with the incident. ********** As of July 1st, general practitioners will be receiving less compensation for vaccinating than pharmacies. Many GPs claim that they have continued to offer vaccines for their patients despite compensation for Corona vaccinations not covering costs. Pharmacies receive reimbursement from the state at a rate of 24.50 per vaccine administered instead of the 16.50 that will be paid to doctor's offices.  The National Health Council is concerned that having one less option will reduce the overall rate of vaccination in the population.  The federal office of public health has already started an inquiry to evaluate the impact of the pricing discrepancy and whether to address it before the July 1 change.