Safe Mountain: Evaluation of COVID-19 tests in Flims Laax Falera

Laax, December 30, 2020. Shortly before Christmas, the Weisse Arena Group announced its COVID-19 testing concept, which was developed in collaboration with partners from industry and science. In addition to Weisse Arena Group employees, residents and second home owners as well as employees from businesses in the destination were able to participate in the tests. The tests in the municipalities have now been completed and employee testing has also been successfully launched. This allows us to take stock of the situation.

The Weisse Arena Group's testing concept focuses on three target groups: The main focus is on systematic testing of employees. Shortly before Christmas, residents and second-home owners in the municipalities of Flims, Laax, and Falera were also invited to be tested free of charge. In a third step, visiting guests are offered the opportunity to take a test for a fee, thereby contributing to safe winter sports enjoyment.

Systematic testing of employees 

The employees of the Weisse Arena Group are being tested systematically on an ongoing basis. The tests are combined with a questionnaire to create risk profiles, which are used to determine the frequency of testing. This allows the greatest possible protection to be achieved through the efficient use of testing. In the first week alone, over 500 samples from employees of the Weisse Arena Group were evaluated: all tests were negative.

Mass testing in the municipalities of Flims, Laax, and Falera  

Over three days, from December 22 to 24, 2020, residents and second home owners in the municipalities of Flims, Laax, and Falera were invited to take part in free COVID-19 testing. Businesses in the destination were also allowed to participate in the testing. The same procedure used by the Weisse Arena Group was used for testing. A total of 1,906 tests were evaluated over the three days before Christmas. Of these, 980 participants stated that their primary residence was in Flims, Laax, or Falera, and 926 people identified themselves as second-home owners or guests. 775 tests were carried out in Flims, 672 in Laax, and 459 in Falera. All 980 tests of local residents were negative. Among the 926 tests of second home owners and guests, there were two positive test results. There were also two further positive cases among employees of other businesses in the destination. The individuals concerned were instructed by the authorities to self-isolate.

Markus Wolf, CEO of the Weisse Arena Group, draws a positive conclusion after the tests: "After consulting with the health authorities, there is currently a low prevalence in our region, which has been confirmed by the random samples. The simple yet effective testing procedure has proven itself and has been very well received by those tested."

In addition to continuous testing of Weisse Arena Group employees, all guests visiting the destination will soon be offered the opportunity to take tests for a fee.