No nightclubs or retirement home visits: Zurich issues coronavirus guidelines

As of early Tuesday evening, the number of patients infected with the virus climbed to 13 - with more expected to follow. 

In order to stop the virus spreading further, the Zurich cantonal health department (Gesundheitsdirektion) has laid out a set of recommendations it hopes the 1.5 million residents of the canton will follow. 

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The recommendations include avoiding parties and events with persons from heavily impacted areas, as well as advising the general public to keep their distance from older people. 

The recommendations are in addition to the government’s recent ban of events involving more than 1,000 people, however are advisory only and are not binding. 

READ: Switzerland bans all major events to stop coronavirus contagion 

No parties - especially night-clubs 

The official advice tells Zurich residents to avoid “events with many people in close physical contact in closed rooms… i.e. clubs”.  

The recommendation only applies to parties, with other close gatherings like schools not being targeted. 

READ: Two Swiss high school classes quarantined over coronavirus

No events with people from affected areas

Zurich also recommends the cancellation of any events with participating groups from the areas which are the most impacted, including Italy, China, South Korea and Iran. 

The recommendation has been given generally. As noted in the advice document, given the sheer variety of events taking place, it is up to organisers to take steps to follow the guidance. 

“Zurich is the most populous canton with thousands of events; an examination of individual cases is therefore not possible. The health department counts on the personal responsibility of the population and the organizers, which is why it only makes recommendations and does not issue any binding instructions.”

Avoid contact with elderly people

As the spread of the virus so far has indicated, elderly people - particularly those suffering from other health conditions - are especially at risk from the virus. 

The Zurich authorities have therefore recommended the general public avoid contact with vulnerable populations, i.e. people in nursing homes and care facilities. 

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Although the impact on children has been less significant, the advice also references this. 

“Avoid close contact between children and older or chronic sick people.”

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“Visits to retirement and care centres as well as hospitals should be minimised and always take the appropriate precautionary measures (disinfection / hand washing, no contact, distance).