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The governing council is taking action in the fight against the virus: large events are now banned, bars, cinemas, museums and other facilities must close. The bar closes at 11pm and the mask requirement is extended.
The situation is serious: Pierre Alain Schnegg (right), Philippe Müller and Christoph Ammann in the town hall, where they explain the measures.
Raphael moser
The three members of the government Pierre Alain Schnegg (SVP), Christoph Ammann (SP) and Philippe Müller (FDP) described the situation in Corona as dramatic on Friday night and the Bernese vowed a difficult month. 802 new coronavirus infections since the previous day, 153 people in the hospital, 9 of them dependent on artificial respiration: there was the second wave, more violent than expected, with alarmingly high values. The situation is very serious.
The pandemic will be fought with specific measures that are provisionally planned to last four weeks. The interventions are very drastic, even if, unlike the spring, schools, shops and restaurants remain open.
The measures, most of which will go into effect Friday at midnight, in detail:
The curtain falls
Public institutions are closed. Among other things: bars, clubs, discos, dance halls, museums, theaters, concert halls, erotic shops, sports and fitness shops, swimming pools and wellness centers. Churches remain open, but the 15-person limit applies.
Curfew at 11 pm
The restaurants remain open. The number of visitors is limited to a maximum of 100 guests who are present at the same time. Starting Monday, only guest groups of a maximum of four people can sit at a table. Larger groups are allowed if they are people living in the same household. Restaurants must be closed between 11 pm and 6 am Existing overtime permits are not valid.
No more team sports and ghost games
With the exception of the two main leagues of the five sports (soccer, ice hockey, handball, volleyball, and handball), sports activities are severely restricted. Also, professional games can no longer be played in front of an audience. Training and competitions in other team sports are prohibited, as are sports that lead to close physical contact, such as swing, judo or karate. The ban also doesn’t apply to professionals here.
No Christmas dinner
Events with more than 15 people are prohibited, this also applies to private and business events such as Christmas dinners. Exception: community meetings, parliamentary sessions, funeral ceremonies. Protection concepts are required. Events that have already been booked this weekend, such as weddings, can still take place.
Marketing without serving
Markets should still be able to take place. This applies to the weekly markets that take place regularly, where agricultural products are generally sold. But it also applies to seasonal markets like Advent and Christmas. However, beverages or food cannot be offered for on-site consumption in these markets.
Out for fairs
Trade shows and trade shows are also prohibited. The caravan show, which started on Thursday in Bern and should have lasted until Monday, is directly affected. It has to be canceled. The fact that the hall was allowed to be held with several thousand visitors, but football matches were forbidden in front of more than 1000 spectators, caused a lack of understanding in many places. The reason was that a trade show is not considered an event.
Masks outside
Masks in the outdoor area: Masks should not only be used in indoor public access areas, but also in game rooms and in covered areas in front of public buildings.
Masks in the workplace
The governing council does not prescribe it, but recommends wearing masks even in closed workplaces, unless someone is alone in a room.
Bergbahnen
There are no new rules for mountain railways. They are subject to public transport regulations.
High expectations
The three government councilors urged the residents of the canton of Bern to support the resolutions. The governing council is convinced that “drastic” measures are necessary to avoid even harsher measures. Cuts right now are a better option than a second lockdown, which would be extremely damaging to the economy. The priority is to protect the population. The governing council hopes to significantly reduce the number of infections with the temporary measures.
Round table for professional clubs
The canton of Bern had gone ahead a week ago and banned events with more than 1,000 spectators. District President Pierre Alain Schnegg showed sympathy for the resentment that arose in the six major professional sports clubs. Especially since they presented compelling protection concepts. The governing council wants to create a round table to promote mutual understanding. Hope this kills the resentment a bit. Schnegg also said that a week ago it was the right decision. Even then, other measures should have been decided in the rest of Switzerland.
Helpline during the weekend
The ordinance on the new measures and the explanatory documents can be found in the Canton of Bern website. Due to the new regulations, the helpline is also open on weekends (0800 634634, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am to 4.30 pm).
