50 francs: What is Switzerland's new 'vaccination bonus'?

The Local Switzerland - [email protected] • 10 Oct, 2021 Updated Sun 10 Oct 2021 08:16 CEST

image alt text — Swiss Interior and Health Minister Alain Berset gestures during a press conference announcing new measures against the coronavirus on October 18, 2020 in Bern. - The Swiss government said on October 18 it was making the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces compulsory under new measures introduced after a "worrying" rise in coronavirus infections. More than 15 people in public would also be banned under the rules to take effect on Monday, while service in restaurants and bars would be restricted to seated customers only. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

In a bid to boost the country's lagging vaccination rate, Switzerland wants to offer a 50 franc bonus. Here's how it will work.

Please note: This idea has been rejected after consultation with the cantons. More information is available here.

In a press conference on Friday, Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset said the government is set to offer a 50 franc voucher to anyone who persuades a vaccine holdout to get inoculated.

“This work of persuasion will be rewarded with a voucher worth 50 francs”, Berset said.

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Though the exact nature of these vouchers has not yet been defined, "we can imagine they could be used in local businesses. But it will be up to cantons to set the details”, he noted.

The government will spend 150 million francs on this incentive, but according to Berset the investment is worthwhile, especially considering that 50 million francs is currently spent each week on Covid testing.

Berset said the idea would be put out for consultation with the cantons.

This measure is taken to encourage more people to get the shot, as Switzerland “has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Europe, according to Berset.

The Health Minister also outlined the Federal Council’s strategy to boost the rate of vaccinations.

It includes a national “immunisation week” at the yet undetermined date and the use of mobile units — 170 new buses will be put into service in addition to the 50 already in circulation —to make access to vaccination easier.

These units would go everywhere where people congregate, “to the valleys, the village squares, in front of the football stadiums, in shopping centres", Berset said.

As far as Covid certificate is concerned, the Federal Council will create a centralised electronic platform so that tourists, or anyone else vaccinated abroad, can apply for a Swiss Covid certificate.

It will be up to the cantons to issue them, he announced.

#Covid-19 vaccines

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The Local Switzerland 2021/10/10 08:16

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50 francs: What is Switzerland's new 'vaccination bonus'?

In a bid to boost the country's lagging vaccination rate, Switzerland wants to offer a 50 franc bonus. Here's how it will work.

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