Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
Find out what's going on today in Switzerland with The Local's short roundup of the news.
Decision about lifting further restrictions to be announced today
The Federal Council will announce its decision this afternoon about whether it will ease some more coronavirus measures from June 28th.
The restrictions that the government would relax include upping the number of people allowed to gather together in and outdoors, permitting more people to sit at tables inside restaurants as well as on terraces, and lifting of mask requirements for outdoors.
Vaccinated tourists from third nations will also be allowed to come to Switzerland from next Monday.
Authorities said these restrictions will be relaxed if the epidemiological situation and outlook remain good.
READ MORE: Switzerland to further relax coronavirus measures from June 28th
Switzerland clears vaccination for 12 to 15 year olds
This age group can now begin to receive Covid shots, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announced.
While all adolescents from 12 to 15 can get vaccinated, FOPH particularly recommends it for those who have serious chronic illnesses.
They will receive doses of Pfizer/Biontech vaccine, the only one approved so far for this age group.
The Swiss feel safe in their country — more or less
The vast majority — 95 percent — of people living in Switzerland feel generally safe, according to a new security study.
However, fears of a pandemic, economic crisis, cyberattack, and global political situation are gaining ground.
Still, the confidence in Swiss government and other institutions remained high during the pandemic, even getting stronger in the past year.
Future of EU-Swiss relations to be determined in the fall
The Swiss-EU relations remain in limbo after Switzerland called off bilateral talks at the end of May over the lack of agreement concerning the freedom of movement and labour law.
The European Commission (EC) will present details on the future of its relations with Switzerland in the autumn.
The Commission said that a common approach is necessary and “Switzerland must be made to understand that it has to act constructively and come up with ideas - and that it cannot just say ‘no’”.
Agreement on German cross-border workers extended
The agreement concluded on June 11th, 2020 between Bern and Berlin to suspend obstacles to home working for cross-border commuters from Germany is extended to at least September 30th and cannot be terminated before this date, according to the Federal Tax Administration (FTA).
This agreement is an exceptional and time-limited measure. The German and Swiss authorities must consult each other to suspend or prolong the agreement, FTA said.
They will make a new decision according to the evolution of the health situation in both countries.
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 [email protected]
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Decision about lifting further restrictions to be announced today
The Federal Council will announce its decision this afternoon about whether it will ease some more coronavirus measures from June 28th.
The restrictions that the government would relax include upping the number of people allowed to gather together in and outdoors, permitting more people to sit at tables inside restaurants as well as on terraces, and lifting of mask requirements for outdoors.
Vaccinated tourists from third nations will also be allowed to come to Switzerland from next Monday.
Authorities said these restrictions will be relaxed if the epidemiological situation and outlook remain good.
READ MORE: Switzerland to further relax coronavirus measures from June 28th
Switzerland clears vaccination for 12 to 15 year olds
This age group can now begin to receive Covid shots, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announced.
While all adolescents from 12 to 15 can get vaccinated, FOPH particularly recommends it for those who have serious chronic illnesses.
They will receive doses of Pfizer/Biontech vaccine, the only one approved so far for this age group.
The Swiss feel safe in their country — more or less
The vast majority — 95 percent — of people living in Switzerland feel generally safe, according to a new security study.
However, fears of a pandemic, economic crisis, cyberattack, and global political situation are gaining ground.
Still, the confidence in Swiss government and other institutions remained high during the pandemic, even getting stronger in the past year.
Future of EU-Swiss relations to be determined in the fall
The Swiss-EU relations remain in limbo after Switzerland called off bilateral talks at the end of May over the lack of agreement concerning the freedom of movement and labour law.
The European Commission (EC) will present details on the future of its relations with Switzerland in the autumn.
The Commission said that a common approach is necessary and “Switzerland must be made to understand that it has to act constructively and come up with ideas - and that it cannot just say ‘no’”.
Agreement on German cross-border workers extended
The agreement concluded on June 11th, 2020 between Bern and Berlin to suspend obstacles to home working for cross-border commuters from Germany is extended to at least September 30th and cannot be terminated before this date, according to the Federal Tax Administration (FTA).
This agreement is an exceptional and time-limited measure. The German and Swiss authorities must consult each other to suspend or prolong the agreement, FTA said.
They will make a new decision according to the evolution of the health situation in both countries.
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 [email protected]
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