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Weeks after Austria, the concept of winter protection is introduced in Switzerland: the industry is struggling to allay fears.
Mask requirement or not? According to the Federal Council, the mask is only mandatory in closed rooms.
In the coming winter, skiers can also use neck tubes as protective masks, including multi-functional polishers or towels. One condition must be met: neck tubes must offer the same virus protection prescribed by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). This is what it says in the protection concept published by the Swiss Cable Car Association on Thursday. These neck tubes have been specially developed for this winter, and Swiss winter destinations are buying them in droves.
This solution had previously been suggested in an open letter from the “Switzerland goes skiing” winter sports initiative. In gondolas and cabins you don’t necessarily have to wear a classic protective mask, they said. “Certified multifunctional towels also guarantee the necessary safety.”
Certified Multifunctional Cloths – These are reusable cloths that protect against viruses, can be placed over the mouth and nose like a neckerchief and thus serve as a protective mask. In July, the FOPH declared that masks should also be used on cable cars, except for lifts or chair lifts.
In the winter sports initiative “Switzerland goes skiing” all destinations have joined together and some more: the Swiss Cable Car Association, the Swiss airline, some celebrities and politicians. The boss is the Minister of Economy, Guy Parmelin.
Antiviral neck scarves are meant to remove a hindrance to winter cheer. The fact that skiers get flustered by excessive complexity when they have to wear a mask behind their ears on top of everything else.
Such clear signs are urgently needed for winter guests, think “Switzerland is going skiing”. There are hardly any reservations so far, Austria is much further away. The Federal Council is to blame for this deficit. He did not make it clear that the winter season could take place.
Chancellor Kurz is faster than the Swiss Federal Council
“Enjoy skiing, gastronomy, nature and hospitality – all of this will be possible in winter,” Sebastian Kurz recently said. The Chancellor of Austria called a press conference on the topic of “safe winter tourism” and brought two ministers with him.
Local tourism would have liked to see such a powerful performance. Or at least calls from the Federal Council as before the summer. Ueli Maurer shouted to parliament that he was fed up with the funeral mode. “Take a vacation in Switzerland!”
Before this winter, federal councilors were silent. Parmelin made the first tentative announcement. Regarding “Switzerland is going skiing,” he said, as before summer, he recommends a vacation in Switzerland. When asked if an official opinion from the Federal Council would not be necessary, he replied: The Federal Council supports where it is necessary. It seemed to go on like this: winter tourism is fighting with the Federal Council.
Winter tourism has to come alive
Meanwhile, it has leaked: the long-awaited signal will arrive next week. Until then, the industry will do its best to allay the fears. The chairman of the cable car, Hans Wicki, called the General Assembly: “From today’s perspective, winter can happen. We have to live with the virus, we can do it! “It’s about a lot. In winter, ropeways generate around 75 percent of annual sales.
Are the neck tubes suitable as a protective mask? There was press on this issue. Some in the industry would have liked a public announcement from Bern. It did not arrive. But one spoke. Industry wanted to know if the German and Austrian model would work too? A light version is allowed there: a normal scarf is sufficient when worn over the mouth and nose (see box). An Njet came from the BAG. Tourism came back. Purchasing company Pool Alpin started looking for antiviral wipes.
They were found in Germany. A specialist developed something specially. These multifunctional drapes are similar in structure to medical masks needed in operating rooms. Pool Alpin is currently pooling orders from across the industry. You want to get a large quantity to reduce production costs. Winter destinations will sell the towels cheaply, some will give them away.
Austria as a model?
No need for a mask, but a distance: this is how Austria’s concept of protection could be shortened. Scarves or shawls would suffice. But these should be washed after four hours maximum. Helmet visors were also useful as protection for the mouth and nose. Always keep a minimum distance of one meter. If that doesn’t work, the cable cars have to limit the number of guests. In any case, après-ski in the crowded umbrella bars should be avoided.
