COVID-19 SERVICES

Entry regulations Switzerland

Vaccinated or Recovered:

Not vaccinated:

• Negative PCR (not older than 48h) or Rapid Antigen Test (not older than 24h)
• if entering Switzerland via plane: Fill out entry health form (earliest 48h before entry) - depending on the airline a negative test result may be necessary

List of countries with a variant of concern (Currently no countries on the list! - no Quarantine for any travellers entering Switzerland):

We take care of our clients

At Paracelsus Recovery, we understand that the pandemic has been a difficult time for our clients, and we are here to help. As a treatment centre concerned with health and wellbeing, we take all the essential precautions to protect you and our staff. As a clinic and health care provider, we can always remain open to provide support and help.

As we only ever treat one client at a time, you can undergo intensive mental health or addiction treatment programmes without the need to interact with anyone other than our core team, who are regularly tested for coronavirus.

The situation in Switzerland

We are fully operational in Zurich. Unfortunately, the coronavirus situation has worsened since mid-October 2021. New measures were announced to curb the spread of the omicron variant, including various entry requirements. 

The Swiss FOPH (Federal Office of Public Health) has no restrictions presently in place. It is the  countries with a variant of concern list that determines whether you have to go into quarantine after entering Switzerland. However, as quarantine is no longer mandatory, you may have to take a test between the fourth and seventh day of your arrival. We can help you organise each of these requirements.   

Everyone entering Switzerland must also present a completed entry form. You can find the form and more information  here.

Self-isolation in our clinic

If and when necessary, our private residences are equipped for a comfortable self-isolation period. 

As a treatment provider, we can continue to provide individual treatment programmes in one of our discreet private residences, with all necessary restrictions in place to ensure your safety at all times. This way, it is possible to start your treatment as soon as you arrive at our residence while respecting your quarantine time.

Exceptions to the quarantine requirement

Individuals who travel for compelling medical reasons might be exempted from quarantine.

The situation in London (UK)

 We are fully operational in London. Clients arriving in London from anywhere outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man must have proof of a negative coronavirus test to travel to England (the test must not be older than 72 hours before your journey) and self-isolate for two days. You will also need to show proof of a completed passenger locator form and your vaccination status. 

Self-isolation

If you arrive in England from anywhere outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.

Negative Covid-19 test result required

For security and health reasons, all clients visiting our clinics in Switzerland or London must provide a negative Covid-19 test result no older than 72 hours. Our team is also regularly tested. 

Support from our team

Our team is at your disposal to support you with any questions and necessary documentation required to travel. We can also reach out to authorities for more information about specific cases.

Safety measures

In the secure environment of our residences, we can provide intensive mental health or addiction treatment programmes without the need to interact with anyone other than our core team, who are regularly tested for coronavirus.

Our residences are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised daily, following a precise cleaning protocol. We do everything possible to ensure that our client feels safe and comfortable in our private residences.

Online Options

If travel restrictions make it impossible for you to reach us, we can support you through various digital media platforms.

Our virtual rehabilitation programme combines the complexity and intensity of our established in-patient programmes with modern technology to ensure an effective remote programme. Our online programmes are designed to mirror our in-patient programmes. As such, we will tailor-make each virtual treatment programme based on the client's unique set of needs. 

We also provide individual online therapy sessions with our psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists via a secure and purpose-built communication platform for clients who require a less intensive support regime.

If you are considering treatment with us in Switzerland or the UK, please contact us for details.

Step-by-Step Guide for Dealing with Difficult Pandemic/Lockdown Emotions: 

If You're Feeling Low… 

• Do something for someone else. Research shows that when we act altruistically, our brains release 'feel-good' emotions, which will increase our positivity, confidence and overall mood. For instance, make a commitment to call one person per day and tell them what you love about them. 
• If possible, try to find ways to let it out by crying or venting to a friend. When we cry, our brains actually release feel-good chemicals such as oxytocin and endorphins, which will improve our overall sense of wellbeing. 
• Limit screen time and try to accomplish something each day. For example, instead of falling asleep to Netflix every night, try to read, journal, or finally complete that task you are putting off. In doing so, you will feel a sense of achievement, which will increase feelings of positivity or confidence. 

If You're Feeling Lonely… 

• When we're lonely, we become more vulnerable to the harsh words of our inner critic. To navigate this, try to combat each negative thought with two positives.
• While staying in touch with loved ones is crucial, try to reach out to people you may not know so well, but would like to get to know. Often, the best way to combat loneliness is to build a new relationship or meet someone new.
• Nurturing plants, comforting objects (such as an old stuffed toy) and using a weighted blanket (if it is safe for you to do so) can all help combat the adverse side effects of touch-starvation and loneliness.  

If You're Feeling Anxious…

• Stay present in the moment to avoid over-catastrophizing the future. To do so, try to practice mindfulness techniques, such as the 3-3-3 rule. If you feel your heart rate speeding up and your mind racing, look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear and move three parts of your body. 
• Practice the 'worst-case scenario' exercise. Write down a list of your fears and what would happen if they came true. Ask yourself; if you become unemployed, what would happen? If you caught the virus, what would happen? Keep going until you've exhausted the list of worst possible outcomes. Exercises like these help you regain control over fear or anxiety.
• If you are struggling with panic attacks, try to return to diaphragm breathing. To do so, place one hand under your rib cage and one hand over your heart. Breathe slowly through your nose, and try to notice if your stomach or chest moves as you breathe. If your chest is moving, focus on returning that breath to your stomach. It can take a while for this to happen, so make sure to slow down and take your time.

If You're Feeling Stressed…

• If you are struggling with stress, it is essential to eat a healthy diet. When we eat right, we improve our immune system and lower our blood pressure, helping us sleep better and feel calmer. However, it is equally important to be compassionate with ourselves. To achieve this balance, try to make compromises. For instance, for each cigarette you smoke, coffee you drink or wine gum you eat, do twice the amount of exercise and healthy eating. 
• Working from home can increase our stress levels because it blurs the boundaries between your private and professional lives. To navigate this, try to find a calming, quiet and designated space for your home office and do not go into that room except during working hours. 
• Try to laugh as much as possible. Aim to watch a funny tv programme, call a friend you always have fun with or recall funny memories at least once a day. When we laugh, our brains release endorphins that make us feel better, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and keeps things in perspective.

If You're Struggling with Loss…

• If you are struggling with grief, listen to your body. Try to give it whatever it needs, which will most likely be rest. If you are struggling to figure out what your body is saying, meditation or yoga can help strengthen the mind-body connection.  
• If you are struggling with financial loss or unemployment, try to take it one day at a time, focus on what you can control, and create healthy distractions. For instance, work on your CV, website, skillset, or something entirely personal – such as an old hobby, exercise, or reconnecting with your family and friends. Remind yourself that you did not lose your income because of something you did, but because a global pandemic, entirely out of your control, happened.
• Above all else, if you are struggling to cope, seek professional help as soon as possible. For example, contact your family GP, a treatment centre or go to your local emergency room