More than 1,000 unexploded ordnance objects were found in Switzerland in 2020, a rise of 60% on previous years. The pandemic – in a roundabout way – was behind the figures, the army says. Due to the boom in outdoor activities inspired by Covid-19, there were more hikers and walkers in the mountains, and thus more chance discoveries of old explosives – 1,055 objects – by members of the public, army spokesman Stefan Hofer told SRF radio on Wednesday. At home, too, people used the opportunity of the lockdown to clear-out garages and attics, places where unused shells or explosives – perhaps old relics from military service – were found, he said. While Switzerland doesn’t have the same amount of unexploded ordnance peppering its countryside as, for example, Germany, misfired or unexploded shells from army training exercises are frequently discovered. Even decades old, they can be dangerous. Authorities advise never to touch such objects: make a note of the location before informing...
