Today in Switzerland: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Government unveils a new digital identity card for Switzerland's residents; Sunday shop openings considered in some cities; and more news in our roundup on Friday.
Bern unveils its future digital identity card
“Switzerland’s new electronic identity (e-ID) will enable users to identify themselves digitally in a secure, fast and uncomplicated way," the Federal Council announced on Thursday.
The government-issued e-ID, to be available from 2026, will guarantee "the greatest possible protection" of personal data, and its use will be free of charge and voluntary.
Anyone who has a Swiss identity card, a Swiss passport, or a foreign national identity card issued in Switzerland, will be able to apply for an e-ID either online or at passport offices.
#DécisionCF La conseillère fédérale @elisabeth_baume sur l’identité électronique (e-ID) lors de la conférence de presse du Conseil fédéral du 22.11.2023: 🗞️https://t.co/fwB8PXdgDc (BK) @EJPD_DFJP_DFGP pic.twitter.com/IFZx32IX9O
— André Simonazzi (@BR_Sprecher) November 22, 2023
Government mulls Sunday shop openings in some cities
The Federal Council wants to allow Sunday shopping in tourist areas of certain municipalities, authorities said in a press release on Thursday.
To be eligible, cities must have a population of at least 60,000, and foreign tourists must constitute at least 50 percent of customers in local hotels.
Sunday openings would be confined to parts of cities where cultural offerings, hotels, and restaurants are located, rather than in random areas.
The cantons will be responsible for designating the cities and areas within them where Sunday shopping should be authorised.
READ ALSO: Is Switzerland set to allow shops to open on Sundays?
Switzerland lacks the recommended childhood vaccines
Switzerland has been experiencing a shortage of various drugs for months, and now vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, and polio are also out of stock.
As for vaccines against diphtheria and whooping cough, also part of the routine childhood immunisations, they are available, but only on limited basis, according to the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES).
However, the available quantities are not sufficient to meet the need. Some vaccinations must therefore be postponed, FONES said.
Weather: Expect heavy snowfall today
It is too early to say whether we will have a white Christmas this year, but according to weather forecasts, we should have a white Friday.
That's because a northerly current is gradually blowing moist air to the north side of the Alps.
Meteorologists are therefore forecasting up to one metre of fresh snow in some low-lying regions located between 600 and 800 metres.
The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Bernese Oberland and in central Switzerland, likely disrupting car and rail traffic in those areas.
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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Bern unveils its future digital identity card
“Switzerland’s new electronic identity (e-ID) will enable users to identify themselves digitally in a secure, fast and uncomplicated way," the Federal Council announced on Thursday.
The government-issued e-ID, to be available from 2026, will guarantee "the greatest possible protection" of personal data, and its use will be free of charge and voluntary.
Anyone who has a Swiss identity card, a Swiss passport, or a foreign national identity card issued in Switzerland, will be able to apply for an e-ID either online or at passport offices.
#DécisionCF La conseillère fédérale @elisabeth_baume sur l’identité électronique (e-ID) lors de la conférence de presse du Conseil fédéral du 22.11.2023: 🗞️https://t.co/fwB8PXdgDc (BK) @EJPD_DFJP_DFGP pic.twitter.com/IFZx32IX9O
— André Simonazzi (@BR_Sprecher) November 22, 2023
Government mulls Sunday shop openings in some cities
The Federal Council wants to allow Sunday shopping in tourist areas of certain municipalities, authorities said in a press release on Thursday.
To be eligible, cities must have a population of at least 60,000, and foreign tourists must constitute at least 50 percent of customers in local hotels.
Sunday openings would be confined to parts of cities where cultural offerings, hotels, and restaurants are located, rather than in random areas.
The cantons will be responsible for designating the cities and areas within them where Sunday shopping should be authorised.
READ ALSO: Is Switzerland set to allow shops to open on Sundays?
Switzerland lacks the recommended childhood vaccines
Switzerland has been experiencing a shortage of various drugs for months, and now vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, and polio are also out of stock.
As for vaccines against diphtheria and whooping cough, also part of the routine childhood immunisations, they are available, but only on limited basis, according to the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES).
However, the available quantities are not sufficient to meet the need. Some vaccinations must therefore be postponed, FONES said.
Weather: Expect heavy snowfall today
It is too early to say whether we will have a white Christmas this year, but according to weather forecasts, we should have a white Friday.
That's because a northerly current is gradually blowing moist air to the north side of the Alps.
Meteorologists are therefore forecasting up to one metre of fresh snow in some low-lying regions located between 600 and 800 metres.
The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Bernese Oberland and in central Switzerland, likely disrupting car and rail traffic in those areas.
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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