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IN PICTURES: Swiss parliament resumes in plexiglass ‘aquariums’

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IN PICTURES: Swiss parliament resumes in plexiglass ‘aquariums’
Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Switzerland’s National Council resumed on Monday September 7th in plexiglass ‘aquariums’ to comply with social distancing requirements.

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Parliament returned for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic. The plexiglass cost CHF200,000. 

National Council President Isabel Moret told Swiss news outlet Le Temps “we will eventually get used to our small plexiglass aquariums”.

Thanks to the installation of the boxes, parliament will be allowed to continue if one member tests positive - rather than requiring the entire chamber to quarantine. 

While the plexiglass has allowed parliament to take place again, not everyone is happy. 

BDP National Councillor Lorenz Hess criticised the 'plexi madness', while Switzerland's Tages Anzeiger newspaper said the chamber looked like a 'hall of mirrors'. 

The pictures were taken during a parliamentary session on September 8th, 2020. 

A staff of the Swiss Parliament wearing a protective face mask cleans the microphone after a MP's speech.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Swiss MPs wearing protective face masks attend the autumn session of the Swiss Parliament with new plexiglas dividers in place.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Swiss Interior and Health Minister Alain Berset delivers a speech during the autumn session of the Swiss Parliament in Bern.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Swiss MP Beat Flach (R) wearing a protective face mask speaks with MP Leonore Porchet during the autumn session of the Swiss Parliament with new plexiglass dividers.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

 

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Swiss MP Marie-France Roth Pasquier (L) speaks with MP Valerie Piller Carrard both wearing a protective mask.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Swiss Interior and Health Minister Alain Berset (R) delivers a speech.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

A protective face mask reading in German: "Stay healthy! Yes Moderate immigration" in reference to a right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP)-backed initiative to be held on September 27th.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

MP and Swiss Green Party President Regula Rytz (R) wearing a protective mask places the mask of a colleague during the autumn session of the Swiss Parliament.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

MP Nicolas Walder (L) wearing a protective mask has his face reflected while speaking to a colleague during the autumn session of the Swiss Parliament.  Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

 

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