Federal Council Decisions: What You Need To Know About The New Corona Measures

The Federal Council recommends working from home. Can I insist on this to my employer?

The Federal Council abstains from an explicit obligation of the central office. This means that employees do not have any general right to it. As the Federal Council writes, a court would have to decide in case of dispute.

And vice versa: Can the employer force me to work from home?

The employer can usually order the home office, but according to the Federal Council only if this is “reasonable in individual cases.” Here, too, the courts would likely have a say in the event of a dispute.

It was said that only friends from a maximum of two different households could meet at the restaurant or at home. Does that apply now?

No. The Minister of Health, Alain Berset, has sent this proposal for consultation. The Federal Council has now spoken out against such a rule. More precisely: it has weakened it to a mere recommendation (read also: How the two-budget rule works in Germany).

What else is changing in restaurants?

That depends on the canton. In the future, guest contact details will need to be collected from all restaurants. Many cantons have already introduced mandatory restaurant registration. Nothing changes for them, everyone else has to do the same.

Will Christmas shopping be restricted?

Partially. Stores are obliged to limit the number of customers more strongly. In larger stores, there should be 10 square meters available per person instead of the previous 4. In small stores with less than 30 square meters of commercial space, it is 5 square meters per person.

Can I sing Christmas carols in the village choir or in church?

No. Singing in choirs is prohibited, generally singing together outside the family circle. This also applies to religious services. There is only one exception for professional choirs.

Does that also apply to outdoor concerts?

Yes, the ban applies to both outdoor performances and indoor concerts.

Can I still sing anywhere?

The immediate family circle is not affected by the ban. So you can sing under the Christmas tree at home.

I heard that my children should keep singing at school. Isn’t that also prohibited?

No. Singing lessons are still allowed at school.

Are family celebrations allowed at Christmas?

The Federal Council did not make any new decisions on Friday. This means that there is still an upper limit of ten people for private meetings.

What applies to gatherings outside the family?

The above rules also apply there. This means that a maximum of 15 people can show up for meetings and up to 50 people for events.