Corona: the Federal Council adopts new measures: the 7 most important points

Today the Federal Council presents new measures – these 7 points must be regulated by the government

Today, Switzerland is looking forward to Bern. In the afternoon, the Federal Council will provide information on the new measures. The focus is on the following seven points.

Corona infections in Switzerland continue to increase rapidly. Currently, the number of cases doubles in a week, and hospitalizations and deaths are also increasing.

However, the Federal Council has not tightened the measures for ten days. That will change today. The state government meets in the morning and the latest decisions are communicated in a press conference in the afternoon. (Live ticker).

There is great tension because the measures the Federal Council is taking today “will most likely take a long time,” as Alain Berset said on Monday. It is very likely that the rules presented today will be maintained during the coming winter months.

The planned measures have already been leaked in recent days. As it is, public life does not shut down completely, it slows down. So what resolutions can we expect today?

Mask requirement

Probably the most controversial point of the new measures is that Mandatory outdoor mask. As indicated in the draft ordinance, which was subjected to an express consultation process with the cantons, all people “in the public space of the settlement areas” must now wear a mask.

However, many cantons do not want to know about such a powerful mask requirement. You reacted to the express inquiry with a negative attitude, as CH Media reported on Monday.

The Federal Council now seems to give in: The outdoor mask requirement should not be eliminated entirely, but rather should be defined more strictly, as Blick wrote Tuesday. For example, the outdoor mask requirement should only apply if the distance cannot be maintained. It is conceivable, for example, that the mask will be mandatory on busy shopping streets in the coming months.

further Mask requirement in all indoor and outdoor public access areas Be valid. This applies to markets and waiting areas at bus stops and train stations.

The mask requirement is expected to spread to the workplace. That means: if you don’t have an individual office, you have to wear a mask in front of the computer. Employers must also ensure that employees can work from home.

Big events

Since October 1, major events with more than 1000 people have been allowed again under strict security precautions in Switzerland. The first cantons have already reacted and banned them again.

A nationwide ban should follow after less than a month. The Federal Council plans according to express consultation a maximum limit of 50 people for public events. This means that football and ice hockey matches will again take place in front of empty stands. The limit also has consequences for concerts, theater and other cultural performances.

The renewed ban on major events is putting many companies under heavy economic pressure. On Monday, for example, hockey clubs demanded “contributions à fonds perdu” from the Federal Council in an open letter, as they “had their financial base withdrawn.” The Federal Council must now clarify how and if those affected will be helped.

By the way, political assemblies of the legislature at the federal, cantonal and communal levels are excluded from the upper limit.

Private events

Even in summer, weddings and birthday parties can take place in an almost familiar setting. But gatherings of this type have been shown to be one of the main sources of infection. A wedding at Schwellbrunn in Appenzell, for example, became a popular event.

The Federal Council is now planning a strict maximum number of participants. From now on, only up to 15 people will be allowed to participate in private events.says in the consultation document. It is also possible that this number is lower and that the upper limit is set at ten or five peopleas is already being done in Geneva, Vaud and the canton of Jura.

Amateur sport

There are currently no signs of an interruption in the professional Swiss soccer and ice hockey leagues. The situation is different in amateur sports: in hockey, operations in the lower leagues have already been disrupted, and the same is true in volleyball. Meanwhile, Floorball was completely interrupted. Also in amateur football, the ball already rests in some cantons.

The federal government is likely to do the same. Only non-contact sports with a maximum of 15 people should be allowed. A mask must be worn in hallways and distance must be maintained. An outdoor mask is also needed when there is body contact.

The Federal Council must clarify on Wednesday if there are exceptions. According to the express query, soccer training sessions could still be held in small groups, but only with a mask. Mask requirements would also apply in the tennis room and gym.

Gastronomy

The Federal Council press conference should also be viewed with enthusiasm in the catering industry. More requirements are expected. Depending on the query, a maximum of four people should be allowed to sit at the table. In addition, a curfew will be introduced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Cultural business

The cultural scene will also take a back seat in the coming weeks and months. Rehearsals and performances for non-professional singers are expected to be prohibited. Rehearsals and concerts with a protection concept are only allowed in the professional area. Discos and dance halls are closed and dance events are prohibited.

schools

Unlike the first wave of spring, schools are not closed. In a posted on Tuesday Federal strategy document supports: “Refrain from dispensing with face-to-face (fully operational) teaching in compulsory schools and special schools for as long as possible.”

For 7th graders and teachers, a mask will now be applied so that face-to-face lessons are still possible.

In secondary schools and universities, teaching must be completely remote.

risk areas

The list of risks is also analyzed. Currently, a country is placed on the risk list if more than 60 cases of corona are registered per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days. Returnees from those countries must be quarantined.

This regulation has long been criticized because Switzerland itself exceeds the reference value many times. This rule may well be adapted. According to “Blick”, a possible solution would be a “CH + 60” rule. Therefore, a country is on the risk list if its value of 14 days per 100,000 inhabitants is 60 higher than that of Switzerland.