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The press conference is over
The journalists’ question and answer session has ended and the press conference has ended.
Thanks for your attention. We will continue to report on the most important events related to the coronavirus here on the live ticker.
Is the “second wave” here now?
Health Minister Berset says people have always wondered what a second wave would look like. Today you could say: “The ‘second wave’ is here, and it came sooner rather than later, but we are prepared for the situation.”
Are the new measures enough?
Question from a journalist: “Are the current measures sufficient?”
“We hope so”, says Berset and gives an example of the calculation of the number of cases. The mask requirement is particularly useful because it applies to all cantons. Otherwise, there is a lot of pressure to take more action. But you try to avoid it, and for the moment you choose a middle ground.
Mask requirement in schools?
Michael Gerber (BAG) again pointed out that the schools were the responsibility of the cantons. These would decide. In this question, “I should pass the ball to the cantons”. Those directly affected would also know better how to deal with the local situation.
Hygiene regulations in EDI
“How are hygiene standards implemented in EDI?” Asks a journalist.
Few people work in the Interior Department, Berset says implementation is not a problem.
Criticism of a journalist
“Internally, it is not always in solidarity with the Federal Council,” criticized a journalist.
“The Federal Council is a university and decisions are made jointly,” says Simonetta Sommaruga. These would also be assumed by all.
Consequences for amateur sport?
Training and matches in amateur sport are not affected by the restriction to spontaneous encounters of 15 people in public space, explains Michael Gerber of the BAG.
There are also no changes to important events.
What about children in groups?
Question from a journalist: “Do children up to 12 years old count in groups of up to 15 people?” and: “What about courses like yoga, etc.?”
Michael Gerber of the BAG legal service says the children were among the 15 people. A mask requirement applies to sports courses, except for activities where this is not possible.
How to meet the critics?
A journalist wants to know how the Federal Council deals with social tensions.
Federal President Sommaruga makes it clear that the Federal Council has a decidedly different opinion than those expressed at the Bundesplatz. It is important to prevent further suffering.
Tighter measures ahead?
“What stricter measures could there be?” Asks a journalist.
That is not the issue today, says Simonetta Sommaruga, and does not go into any other possible measure. “We are still in the ‘special situation’. The federal government and the cantons shouldn’t be fighting each other. “Stay in touch with the cantons.
Support for public transport?
Working in the home office leads to fewer people on public transportation, says a journalist. Will the Federal Council provide more support for public transportation?
Sommaruga denies that today’s objective is to protect the population. Nobody wants more damage to the economy, but today it is about the people, so today’s measures must be implemented quickly.
What about the big events?
“Why are the big events not restricted?” Asks a reporter.
Simonetta Sommaruga responds: “That was intensively discussed with the cantons.” Cantons are also responsible for ensuring that protection concepts are drafted and revised. The federal government will continue to be in contact with the cantons in this regard.
The schools are subordinate to the cantons
When asked what happens to schools, Berset points out that the education sector is subordinate to the cantons. It is desirable that students be able to continue attending school whenever possible.
And the sanctions?
“And the sanctions?” Asks a journalist.
Berset responds that there have been discussions about fines. They were made possible in the spring due to the emergency law. But currently there is a “special situation”.
Michael Gerber from BAG Legal Service continues: The question arises as to whether any violation should be sanctioned. However, there are obligations for event organizers.
Meetings must remain possible
Why aren’t private meetings limited to 15 people? Asks a journalist.
Berset explains that this restriction applies if there is no host, so it is a spontaneous meeting. However, families should be able to reunite.
In response to another question from a journalist why there are no more requirements for companies, the Minister of Health also says that companies themselves know best how to protect their employees. Companies don’t want their employees to get infected.
What does recommendation to work from home mean?
Question from a journalist: What does the recommendation to work from home mean specifically?
The home office isn’t always possible, Berset emphasizes. Whenever possible, the home office should be preferred. Companies are encouraged to orient themselves to it.
There is no timetable for new measures
A journalist from Ticino asks if the Federal Council has set a deadline to adjust the measures.
Simonetta Sommaruga says no, the Federal Council is following the situation and developments very closely together with the federal working group. Again he points out that the measures now decided by the Federal Council will come, but the cantons could go further.
Measures remain moderate
The question and answer session has started. A journalist points out that the new measures are quite moderate.
The measures do not intervene with force, confirms Simonetta Sommaruga. But people would have to adhere to it, otherwise stricter measures would have to be taken. If it doesn’t work, they are willing to take more drastic measures.
Life should go on
“We are still looking for a good middle ground,” says Berset. The goal is to prevent serious disease and protect people at risk. And the Federal Council does not want to impede economic and social life. Life must go on, but with a mask. This is the big difference from spring.
Appeal to use the SwissCovid app
You can’t keep up with contact tracing anymore, Berset says, but the cantons would increase capabilities. “We have to get the situation under control again, it must not get worse,” demands Berset and calls on people to use the SwissCovid app.
