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Helena Bachmann
JournalistBased in Geneva, Helena is a highly experienced writer who has also contributed to outlets like TIME magazine, USA Today and United Press International. She has been a major contributor to The Local Switzerland since 2019.
See all our journalists at The Local switzerland.- Email: helena@thelocal.ch
Articles by this author
Explained: What's the difference between Switzerland’s two lists of high-risk Covid-19 countries?
The Swiss government has two different ‘high-risk’ coronavirus lists: one is of countries whose nationals are banned from entering Switzerland, and the other of those who must quarantine upon arrival. Both are updated regularly.
EXPLAINED: Why is Geneva Switzerland’s coronavirus ‘hotspot’?
With the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Switzerland, the canton is three times more affected by the pandemic than the rest of the country. We explore why.
Q&A: What travellers to Switzerland should know about the new 10-day quarantine rule
Since Monday July 6th, travellers entering Switzerland from one of 31 high-risk countries have been forced to quarantine.
How the Swiss quarantine rule will impact work and holiday plans
Starting from July 6th, people arriving in Switzerland from countries designated by the Federal Council as “high-risk” will have to self-quarantine for 10 days. How will this new ruling affect holiday and work plans?
Q&A: What impact will Switzerland's mask rule for public transport have?
Starting on Monday July 6th, masks will become obligatory on all trains, buses, boats, and ski lifts in Switzerland. What does it mean in terms of price and availability?
What you should know before you travel abroad from Switzerland
When the coronavirus pandemic struck, numerous flights and other travel arrangements were abruptly canceled. Now the situation has improved, but when it comes to leaving Switzerland and going abroad, it’s better to be prepared for all kinds of scenarios.
Can you travel from Switzerland to the United States?
As Schengen countries opened their borders to each other on June 15th, many people in Switzerland are wondering when travelling farther afield - for instance to the USA - will be allowed again. Here's what you need to know.
Travel in Switzerland: Five free (or cheap) things to do in Geneva
Swiss tourism authorities are urging us to opt for ‘staycations’ this year, instead of venturing abroad. But for many families, Switzerland is just too expensive. In this first installment of a series featuring the affordable activities in the country’s major cities, we begin with Geneva.
What did Switzerland do right and wrong during the coronavirus crisis?
Now that life in Switzerland is nearly back to normal, it is a good time to look back at what the country did well to contain the virus, and what it could have done better.
Swiss history: The story of Switzerland's first popular vote on foreign migrants
Immigration is always a relevant topic in Switzerland, as more than a quarter of the country’s population consists of foreigners. Some 42 popular votes on curbing the immigration have been held over the years, and it all started on June 7th, 1970.
EXPLAINED: What are the latest predictions in Switzerland about a second wave of Covid-19?
Now that the number of coronavirus cases in Switzerland has dropped to about 20 a day — from about 1,000 at the height of the pandemic — life is slowly getting back to normal. But many people are talking about the inevitability of the second wave of infections and what form this resurgence will take. This is what we know so far.
Switzerland warns against ‘premature’ travel to Italy
Switzerland’s southern neighbour is opening its borders for tourists from the EU and Schengen zone countries on June 3rd. But should Switzerland's residents travel there?
Swiss history: What's the real story behind Toblerone's chocolate pyramids?
A 108-year-old mystery surrounds one of Switzerland's best-known products: the Toblerone chocolate.
Five incredible places to visit in Switzerland this summer
With many countries in Europe and beyond still remaining off-limits for international travelers, Switzerland may be your best bet for a scenic trip in the coming weeks. We chose some of the most spectacular destinations to visit.
Will Swiss residents be able to travel freely within Europe when borders reopen?
Switzerland’s borders with France, Germany, and Austria are going to re-open on June 15th if there is no rebound of Covid-19 infections.
'Less that 10 percent' of Switzerland's population are immune to Covid-19
A new study shows that only a small percentage of Switzerland’s population has developed immunity to the coronavirus.
How to safely resume 'normal' life in Switzerland, according to an expert
With the post-lockdown resumption of school activities and the reopening of shops and restaurants, the number of potential contacts — and transmission of the coronavirus —between individuals will start to rise again. But this risk can be contained if everyone follows simple rules, says one medical expert.
People over 65 can resume their normal activities, Swiss health authorities insist
Switzerland's population of seniors, who have been advised to stay indoors to prevent coronavirus-related health complications, are now being told they can come out of confinement.