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The Federal Council refrains from restricting capacities in ski areas. Regarding the holiday season, however, the Federal Council decided on Friday to take new measures against the spread of the coronavirus and increased the pressure on the cantons.
The Federal Council stated in its communication that the epidemiological situation in Switzerland remains extremely tense. Across Switzerland the number of cases would decline, but in some cantons the number of cases stagnated or even increased. The situation in hospitals remains very tense.
The goal now is to further reduce the number of cases, especially with a view to the holidays.
Ski areas remain open
According to the Federal Council, skiing should still be possible and capabilities will not be restricted. The capacity restrictions planned by the Federal Council had given rise to previous discussions. The National Council approved a statement on ski areas on Thursday. This asked the Federal Council to refrain from restricting capacity if possible.
In all closed means of transport, for example in trains, cabins and gondolas, only two thirds of the spaces will be able to be occupied from 9 December. This applies to seating and standing space.
Ski areas also need a permit from the canton as of December 22. The canton will only be able to grant the permit if the capacity of the hospitals allows it, corona tests can be carried out normally, and the canton’s contact tracing is working.
Ski areas must submit to the cantons “strict protection concepts”, which must be based on federal guidelines. The goal is to prevent the virus from spreading in tourist areas.
Skiers must wear a mask on all cable cars, including ski lifts and chair lifts. The mask requirement also applies when queuing. Only people who consume in a seat can stay in the restaurants of the ski areas. On the terraces, the existing regulations apply: consumption is only seated and a maximum of four people per table. Parents with children are excluded from the rule.
Shops and restaurants
To keep contacts to a minimum before Christmas, the Federal Council also wants to encourage the public to plan their purchases more consciously. Therefore, the number of people who can be in a store at the same time is reduced. In larger stores, ten square meters per person should be available instead of four square meters, as is the case now. The regulation applies from next Wednesday, December 9, until further notice.
The obligation to register in restaurants is now regulated by the cantons. It applies in some cantons, not in others. The Federal Council is now introducing the requirement to record a guest’s contact details for each table in Switzerland. The curfew in restaurants remains at 11 p.m. On New Years Eve, this is exceptionally extended to 1 a.m.
Recommendations for meetings and home office
There is still a maximum limit of ten people for private meetings. “The Federal Council urgently recommends limiting private and restaurant meetings to two households,” he continues.
The Federal Council asks employers to consistently implement the recommendations of the central office. However, the Federal Council does not have to work from home. Now it is forbidden to sing outside the family circle and compulsory school, both outdoors and indoors.
Pressure on the cantons
Finally, the Federal Council is also increasing the pressure on the cantons. If the situation worsens or the number of cases stagnates at a high level, the cantons should take further action.
The Federal Council will conduct a midterm evaluation in an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, December 8, and will adopt stricter measures on Friday, December 11, if the cantons have not taken the necessary measures.
