Singapore Eases Swiss Travel; Grand Slam Tram; Novartis Puts Sandoz On The Block

News For 26 October 2021

The tiny nation state of Singapore, now suffering from the largest outbreak of Coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, has eased travel conditions for Swiss tourists and visitors.  In a strategy designed to ease the burden on business travel and maintain its preeminence as a global business hub in Asia, visitors from 10 other nations as well will be allowed in without having to quarantine. The changes go into effect November 8, and will require only proof of a negative Coronavirus test prior to the start of travel.  For reference, roughly 85% of Singapore's population is fully vaccinated, and leaders have decided to deal with the risk of transmission rather than impose further restrictions on trade that relies on unfettered travel.

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Basel’s most famous sports personality now has his own Tram. Roger Federer unveiled the Federer Express on Friday, which could be seen driving around the city, with the tennis super star taking a seat in the driver's cabin, and ringing the bell frantically. The Tram was personally designed by Roger, who is absolutely honoured to have one of the famous Basel trams dedicated to him. Roger explained “it felt like yesterday that I was a boy getting on the Number 8 tram to go to tennis practice”. Keep your eyes peeled around Basel, and take a ride on the Federer Express.

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At a press conference today, Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan discussed the possibility of selling the Sandoz division of the pharmaceutical giant.  Sandoz is the world's largest manufacturer of antibiotics and the only remaining manufacturer of them in Europe.  In recent years, as the drugs made by the division went off-patent, its profitability also declined.  According to the CEO, Novartis is now focused on research and new drug discovery and marketing, incompatible with the legacy business of Sandoz.  A sale could be expected as early as the end of 2022.  Investors welcomed the news, bidding up the shares of the parent company by 1%.