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Coronavirus: Why Switzerland opposes making masks compulsory

The Local
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Coronavirus: Why Switzerland opposes making masks compulsory
Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Switzerland will not be making the wearing of masks compulsory for everyone who goes outside, with the country’s president saying “that doesn’t work for Switzerland”.

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In an interview with Swiss media outlet Le Temps, Swiss president Simonetta Sommaruga explained why the country was not following the lead of some others and making it compulsory to wear a mask. 

The move is out of step with neighbours Austria, as well as several states in Germany, where wearing masks when entering certain businesses - or indeed leaving the house - has become compulsory. 

Coronavirus: Police warn of 'lockdown fatigue' as Swiss start bending rules

Sommaruga said that while specific industries may be forced to wear masks, a general requirement to wear masks when leaving the house simply wouldn’t work in Switzerland. 

“Not all situations are the same. The hairdressing industry has developed a protection plan which includes the wearing of a mask,” she said. 

“For public transport, discussions are underway between the branch, health experts and the administration. 

“(But to) Ask the population to wear a mask permanently outside? It doesn't work for us.”

“We cannot demand the wearing of a mask all the time”. 

German Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Tuesday that the mask requirements being put in place across that country were seen as a necessary step in coming out of lockdown - and may need to remain in place for several months. 

Neighbouring Austria has had compulsory mask requirements for several weeks. 

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Currently, masks are not mandatory in Switzerland. Unlike several other countries, wearing masks is not recommended in Switzerland - unless the wearer is sick. 

Public support for compulsory masks

As reported by The Local Switzerland on Tuesday, the Swiss public is in support of a mask requirement. 

Coronavirus: Majority of Swiss support making masks compulsory 

A survey of more than 40,000 respondents showed that 59 percent of the population supported a law which required the public to wear masks. 

The percentage of those in support was even higher among those above 65, where 69 percent of respondents supported a compulsory mask requirement. 

Respondents in hard-hit areas were also broadly supportive, with 79 percent of respondents in the heaviest-hit canton of Ticino supporting such a move. 

Masks have been difficult to locate in Switzerland, particularly as they have only recently begun to be made domestically. Swiss news outlet Watson produced a list of websites which still had masks available for purchase on Wednesday. 

 

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