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It is the cantons that have the primary responsibility for containing the corona pandemic. This is recorded by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) in a document published at the end of the extraordinary situation in mid-June. “The primary responsibility for preventing or successfully addressing a further increase in Covid 19 cases or a second wave rests with the cantons,” it is stated.
But: the federal government can intervene. Even if the cantons bear the main responsibility in the “special situation” now in force, the Confederation can, if necessary, impose regulations on them. The June 19, 2020 document explicitly establishes “a ban on major events.”
The Federal Council could “prescribe measures for certain regions and / or extend them to the entire country if the situation so requires.” And: “In certain cases, it may make sense to take action at the national level at a relatively early stage.” Also at this point the ban on major events comes into play.
The big event should be to blame
This prohibition makes sense for the canton of Schwyz. Here the yodel musical “Uf immer und Ewig” is suspected to be the culprit for the high number of infections.
On the other hand, the document from early summer is out of date and it is now becoming apparent that corona infections often occur in bars and clubs, but also at private parties.
Individual cantons are reacting to this: in Geneva, gatherings of more than 15 people have been banned from Saturday, unless the organizer presents a precise protection concept to the canton. There is a mask requirement inside and the clubs have been closed for a long time anyway.
At the other end of Switzerland, where the numbers have now also risen rapidly, cantonal governments are still waiting.
Main representatives of the cantons summoned to Bern
At the invitation of the Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga (60), in the presence of the Minister of Health Alain Berset (48), the highest representatives of the Cantonal Conference of Cantonal Governments, the Conference of Health Directors and the Conference of Economic Directors meet gathered today. Vice President Guy Parmelin (60), who is in quarantine due to a corona infection in his environment, will participate in a virtual way.
The aim of the meeting is to get the federal government and the cantons to follow a common path in the fight against the pandemic and to convince certain cantons of the need to act. No further measures are expected yet, but the cantons could be ready for them today. And there could be recommendations.
Blick.ch will broadcast today’s crisis summit press conference live starting at 11am (pt)
