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Today in Switzerland: A round-up of the latest news on Monday

Helena Bachmann
Helena Bachmann - [email protected]
Today in Switzerland: A round-up of the latest news on Monday
A woman wearing a facemask walks past outdoor diners in London on August 3, 2020, as the Government's "Eat out to Help out" coronavirus scheme to get consumers spending again gets underway. - Britain's "Eat out to Help out" scheme began Monday, introduced last month by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help boost the economy claw its way from a historic decline sparked by the coronavirus crisis. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP)

Find out what's going on in Switzerland today with The Local's short round-up of the news.

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Restaurants may re-open next week

The Federal Council decided restaurant and bar terraces can re-open on March 22nd if the epidemiological situation allows it.  If it does happen, maximum of four guests per table will be allowed and data collection from each person will be required.

Reopening of cinemas, theaters, and concert halls, with up to 50 spectators (and a maximum of one-third of the capacity), will be permitted as long as attendees are masked, and an empty seat is between each person.

Outdoor events can take place with up to 150 spectators.

Gatherings in private indoor space will be allowed for up to 10 people.

Fitness facilities will re-open as well, but swimming pools and spas will remain closed.

Final decision on these re-openings will be made on March 19th.

READ MORE: Rising infection rates put Switzerland’s March reopening plans in jeopardy

Don’t put away your winter coats yet

Although the official start of the spring season is only days away, warm weather is not expected in the immediate future.

The storm ‘Luis’, which has swept through Switzerland in the past few days with gale-force winds, will usher in a cold front, according to MeteoSwiss weather service.

Temperatures will be "well below" seasonal norms and the low pressure will continue until mid-week. Periods of snowfall are expected at least until Wednesday, meteorologists predict.

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Switzerland is lagging behind other European countries in rate of vaccinations

Despite having ordered 35 million vaccines from four different manufacturers, Switzerland lags behind many nations in Europe when it comes to the number of vaccines administered per 100,000 residents.

European statistics platform Statista shows that with 10.96 inoculations per 100,000, Switzerland is in the 15th place, below the UK (35.9),  Scandinavian countries, some states in Eastern Europe, as well as Spain, Cyprus, Greece, and Malta.

However, Switzerland is ahead of its neighbours Austria, France, Italy, and Germany. 

Zurich police warn about fake Covid-19 vaccine certificates

Flyers circulating in Zurich promise fraudulent vaccination cards for a 99-franc fee instead of the official price of 169 francs. The payment is to be made in Bitcoins.

The flyers that are put into private mailboxes say that those who pay will be issued documents certifying that they have received shots against Covid and are therefore immune to the virus.

The authors claim that the certificate will entitle the holders to “more privileges”.

Police said investigations into the identity of the authors are under way, adding that anyone who buys and uses these false certificates would be liable for prosecution.

If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local please get in touch with us at news@thelocal

 

 

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Anonymous 2021/03/15 09:42
They are going to make the announcement on April 19th... interesting.

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