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The governing council of the canton of Basel-Stadt is extending the current measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic for one week until Sunday, December 20 inclusive, as announced yesterday. The growth of new infections has slowed in the past two weeks. “However, the effects occurred less quickly and clearly than would have been necessary for relaxation.” Now the time can be used for greater coordination with the federal government and, in particular, with neighboring cantons.
You have to wait to decide if relaxation is possible for the holidays. Therefore, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities are closed and events are limited to 15 people.
“Going alone in the city of Basel is completely incomprehensible,” says Maurus Ebneter, president of Basler Wirteverband. ‘Catering companies are not drivers of the infection rate. Now the meetings will continue to move into the private sphere, where there is evidence that many people are infected. “
The blockade is also undifferentiated because it does not distinguish between indoor and outdoor spaces, between hotspots and outer neighborhoods, between day-to-day businesses and nightlife. It is also annoying that the canton’s press release does not mention additional measures to cushion the economic consequences. Because: Each week the lockdown in the run-up to Christmas costs the Basel hotel industry 20 million in sales. Short-term labor costs and unincurred asset costs could make up about two-thirds of this. One third remains as net damage.
“The more urban a canton is and the more international the guests, the more the hotel industry suffers,” says Raphael Wyniger, president of the Basel Hoteliers Association. “Many restaurants, cafes and hotels are on the brink of collapse. To avoid the worst, decisive action is required immediately. “The government could have a well-filled crisis fund in its own jurisdiction, which would serve to fight unemployment.” If companies fail, many lose their jobs. work, “say the two presidents.” Suppliers are also increasingly drawn into the maelstrom. ” (no, ksp)
