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As announced on Tuesday, stores and markets will be closed to the public as of December 27, 2020, although collection of ordered products will continue to be allowed on site.
1. Are there exceptions to closing?
The following facilities are not affected by the closure:
- Grocery stores (this also includes open-air grocery stores) and other stores, particularly newsagents and gas stations that sell groceries or other products for daily and short-term needs (for example, also bakeries, butchers, health food stores, convenience stores of wines and spirits),
- Pharmacies, drug stores and medical aid stores, in particular glasses and hearing aids,
- Points of sale of telecommunications providers,
- DIY and repair shops, such as, in particular, DIY and garden shops, hardware stores, shoemakers, laundries, sewing shops, locksmiths, bike shops and workshops with repair shops,
- Florists.
2. Does the closure also apply to service companies?
No, companies that offer services, such as post offices, banks, travel agencies, hairdressers, etc., will not be affected by the closure, as can be seen in the information sheet of the Canton of Solothurn.
3. What are “short-term and daily needs”?
In the case of food, a distinction is made between Food I (fresh products) and Food II (dry products). The category “Food I” includes, in particular, meat, fish, cold cuts, dairy products, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and pastries. The category “Food II” includes, in particular, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery products, canned products, nutrients (flour, cereals, rice, pasta), spices, frozen products and baby food. The rest of the range (non-food products) includes the following products:
- Pharmacy items, such as in particular soap, bath additives, perfumes, deodorants, toilet paper items, skin creams, shaving accessories, hair care products, dental care, baby care, diapers, others cosmetics, health care products, pharmaceutical products that can also be sold to consumers outside of pharmacies.
- Pet food and animal hygiene products, such as cat litter, flea and tick remedies, and combs,
- Detergents, cleaning agents and care products,
- Newspapers and magazines,
- Stationery,
- Indoor plants and cut flowers,
- Fotoverbrauchsmaterial,
- Electrotechnical spare parts and accessories, such as batteries and accumulators,
- Textiles, in particular clothing, insofar as they have the nature and price of consumer goods,
- DIY and gardening items.
4. What applies to facilities offering a mixed range?
As in spring 2020, the priority principle applies. Stores that mostly do not offer products for daily use should be closed in principle (eg bookstores, etc.).
In the case of largely mixed assortments, a partial closure or barricade should be implemented, as long as there are no major obstacles on the site, as can be seen from the information sheet. For example, food areas in wholesalers’ branches (for example, on the ground floor or in the basement) may remain open, while toy floors, for example, must be closed. In the case of strongly mixed offers in the same sales area, the delimitations practicable in individual cases should be made (for example, delimitation of larger sales areas blocking access to parts of the range that are no longer allowed for sale or covering them with foils).
5. What are the opening hours of the facilities and shops that are not affected by the closure?
The opening hours of those facilities and shops that may remain open are based on Art. 5a.to the Ordinance on Measures in Special Situation to Combat the Covid-19 Epidemic (Ordinance Covid-19 Special Situation; SR 818.101.26).
Stores (for example, grocery stores, DIY stores, florists, etc.), as well as facilities and businesses that offer services (for example, post offices, banks, hairdressers, etc.) must be open between 7 : 00 pm and 6:00 am on Sundays and December 25 and 26. 2020 and January 1, 2021.
6. Does the mask requirement still apply?
In the indoor and outdoor areas of publicly accessible facilities and businesses, including, for example, shops and facilities that offer services, everyone must wear a mask. Among other things, children before the age of 12, as well as people who can show that they cannot wear a mask for special reasons, in particular medical ones, are exempted from this obligation. (sks)
