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The economy is relieved: unions call for controls
“Measures yes, closures no,” the Economiesuisse business association wrote in a statement. The measures taken by the Federal Council are unavoidable in view of the high number of cases and the increasing burden of health facilities. But compared to a shutdown, they are portable.
The economy fears new closures. A partial shutdown of the economy should be avoided at all costs, especially in the face of the Christmas business and the winter sports season, Economiesuisse explains. If pre-Christmas sales collapse, a wave of bankruptcies is inevitable.
Unions also welcome the stronger pace of the Federal Council. The Swiss Confederation of Trade Unions (SGB) believes that additional measures are needed to contain the pandemic and for the healthcare system not to be overloaded., Link opens in a new window fest.
The main sources of contagion are outside the world of work, which is also related to the protective concepts developed by companies, continues the SGB. It is even more important to carry out more controls and identify the “black sheep” so that all companies have effective protection concepts.
Mayor: “Life in the city of Zurich has been greatly affected”
Corine Mauch, mayor of Zurich, says the new rules are “correct and regrettably necessary.” It is good that the federal government has taken the reins and that the same rules now apply everywhere. Corine Mauch is not at all pleased that Zurich has to shut down its nightlife and only 50 people can attend events. “Life in the city of Zurich has been greatly affected,” he says. Support from the gastronomy, events and culture industries is extremely important and must be done quickly.
Only four countries remain on the risk list
Belgium, Czech Republic, Andorra and Armenia: The Federal Council only classifies these four states and three areas of France as regions with a higher risk of coronavirus infection. This article provides an overview of adjustments to risk areas.
End of the press conference
This ends the Federal Council press conference. Thanks for your interest. We will keep you updated, here on the ticker at srf.ch/news and from our radio and television colleagues.
A summary of the measures reported today can be found in the following article.
Was it wrong to allow important events again?
The situation was different in the summer, Alain Berset said. Nor can you stop living. But it was equally clear that it was necessary to react again, in view of the development. Hence the renewed ban, according to the Federal Council.
How much money is available for difficult cases?
This is part of the discussion with the cantons, Guy Parmelin said. The regulations will be published in early November. It applies that a company must show a turnover of less than 60 percent from the previous year to be eligible. This will also affect the quantity.
Maybe it’s already a positive sign
“Hopefully it is a positive sign,” says epidemiologist Stefan Kuster about the fact that the number of cases has not doubled in a week. The number of individual days should not be overweight. It is clear: the number of reproductions has to drop significantly to control this pandemic.
Geneva and Freiburg want the help of the army. What does the Federal Council say about it?
The two cantons have already submitted a request for help and would like to use the army to help them cope with the pandemic. The Federal Council has not yet made a decision on this. Applications would be reviewed.
Soccer and Ice Hockey – Only ghost games all season long?
In professional sports there is a limit of 50 spectators, the measure is unlimited. Are there only ghost games in ice hockey and soccer all season long?
Alain Berset says he knows the clubs have worked hard and taken extensive action. And, of course, the 50 viewers are not directed at them. The fact that the measures announced today are unlimited does not mean that they will be applied for a long time. Federal Councilor Berset added that they will run for as long as necessary. You have to be flexible in this situation.
Will testing capabilities be sufficient?
You actually have very little evidence to control a pandemic, says Alain Berset. Therefore, you must use the tests efficiently.
Legal expert Gerber explains that the first rapid tests have already been delivered and distributed to the cantons.
What about physical education in schools?
The school is not affected by the restrictions, so class groups can continue to play sports, says legal expert Michael Gerber. The announcement in concrete terms: children under 16 are exempt from the rules.
Parmelin: “There will be contributions from A-Fonds Perdu”
There are areas that would already suffer a lot, such as the gastronomic or cultural panorama. Will there be contributions from the A-Fund Perdu? According to Guy Parmelin, the difficult cases rule currently provides for some contributions from A-Fonds Perdu. The regulation will now be drawn up with the cantons.
Will the police also monitor private homes?
The number of ten people gives about two families the opportunity to meet. But it is clear that there are many infections in private events. That is why these restrictions are necessary. The signal of these rules, including those of the restaurants, is clear: “Now we have to reduce contacts.”
Legal expert Gerber adds: It is not the objective that the police now control the neighborhoods and ring the bells of private houses to control. But of course it is not impossible.
Berset: “It’s not that complicated”
It is very complicated with the number of participants and the number of viewers, according to a journalist. Alain Berset responds that they simply looked for a middle ground, and regulation is not that difficult. It is easy for him to remember the rules. Of course, the cantons could have other measures as well, the Federal Council added. But you got used to the spirit of the cantonal league, that’s not a problem.
Are helpers affected by personal restrictions at times?
Ski races or football matches can continue to be held, simply without a spectator. What about helpers, workers, volunteers, etc.?
You wouldn’t fall under personal restriction, says Michael Gerber, a legal expert at BAG.
Ordinance on difficult cases ahead of schedule
The difficult cases ordinance goes into effect on January 1. Don’t you risk a lot of bankruptcies? That is the question of a journalist.
One is working on regulation in detail, Guy Parmelin said. It’s actually only planned for February, so it’s progress. But it is clear: now we will have to look at the cases pragmatically, said Federal Councilor Parmelin.
What do the army and civil defense have to adapt to?
Civil defense can and is being used more, said Alain Berset. Especially for short assignments.
An army deployment is not ruled out, but conditions are demanding. First, the cantons would have to help each other. But, of course, they are prepared to quickly scrutinize cantons’ requests for help for an army deployment, says Federal Councilor Berset.
Berset: “Masks are useful outdoors when there are a lot of people”
Outdoor masks: is it any use? The Federal Council has developed a regulation that includes certain areas. You only want masks where there are a lot of people, where distances cannot be maintained. Masks can definitely come in handy here, says Alain Berset.
If it leads to a reasonably normal life, then it’s good, according to Berset. He doesn’t like to wear a mask either, but it can’t be helped.
Why are the measurements not limited in time?
“First we have to see if the measures are effective,” says Alain Berset. Winter is long and offers optimal conditions for a virus, so you have to constantly monitor the situation and keep it under control. So first of all, the system needs to be stable, something we don’t have today. Therefore, there are no deadlines.
The curfew is not a curfew
How to imagine the curfew between 11 pm and 6 am? That was the question of a French journalist. Alain Berset points out a translation error in the French documents. There is no curfew, only curfew. “The other applies in France, not in our country,” says Berset.
