'Quite brave': Switzerland goes further than expected in new easing of Covid rules
Switzerland announced on Wednesday it would relax a range of coronavirus measures which could mean summer in the country feels like something approaching normal. Here’s what you need to know.
Switzerland on Wednesday cited a positive epidemiological development as a reason why its planned loosening of Covid measures will be more extensive than previously thought.
Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset said the changes were “quite brave”, although he called upon members of the public to continue to be responsible.
Berset also told those who had not been vaccinated yet to do so, with half of the population expected to be vaccinated by the end of June.
What measures have been relaxed?
A major change is that the relaxations will come into effect on Saturday, June 26th - rather than the June 28th date previously given by the government.
The changes to the travel rules are still set to come into effect on the 28th.
People will no longer be required to work from home, with the obligation replaced by a recommendation to do so, while mandatory testing no longer needs to be carried out in the workplace.
Limits on the number of people who can sit at a table indoors will be lifted completely, with the government previously indicating they would rise from four to six. The limits will also be lifted outdoors.
The maximum number of people at events will also be lifted, with events of up to 1,000 people now allowed without approval and events of up to 10,000 people requiring approval.
There will be no requirement to wear masks or keep a distance during cultural and sporting activities - and the rules will no longer differentiate between professional and amateur sportspeople and artists.
Face-to-face teaching is again allowed to take place in universities and vocational schools.
A summary of the measures which are set to apply is available at the following link.
IN DETAIL: What are Switzerland’s new relaxed coronavirus measures?
Immunity passport needed to visit nightclubs and take part in large events
Central to the plan is ensuring people use Switzerland's Covid immunity certificate. More information is available below.
READ MORE: What will Switzerland’s Covid-19 pass allow you to do?
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Switzerland on Wednesday cited a positive epidemiological development as a reason why its planned loosening of Covid measures will be more extensive than previously thought.
Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset said the changes were “quite brave”, although he called upon members of the public to continue to be responsible.
Berset also told those who had not been vaccinated yet to do so, with half of the population expected to be vaccinated by the end of June.
What measures have been relaxed?
A major change is that the relaxations will come into effect on Saturday, June 26th - rather than the June 28th date previously given by the government.
The changes to the travel rules are still set to come into effect on the 28th.
People will no longer be required to work from home, with the obligation replaced by a recommendation to do so, while mandatory testing no longer needs to be carried out in the workplace.
Limits on the number of people who can sit at a table indoors will be lifted completely, with the government previously indicating they would rise from four to six. The limits will also be lifted outdoors.
The maximum number of people at events will also be lifted, with events of up to 1,000 people now allowed without approval and events of up to 10,000 people requiring approval.
There will be no requirement to wear masks or keep a distance during cultural and sporting activities - and the rules will no longer differentiate between professional and amateur sportspeople and artists.
Face-to-face teaching is again allowed to take place in universities and vocational schools.
A summary of the measures which are set to apply is available at the following link.
IN DETAIL: What are Switzerland’s new relaxed coronavirus measures?
Immunity passport needed to visit nightclubs and take part in large events
Central to the plan is ensuring people use Switzerland's Covid immunity certificate. More information is available below.
READ MORE: What will Switzerland’s Covid-19 pass allow you to do?
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