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As announced, the Federal Council is tightening the crown measures. The new rules apply from midnight. Social life in Switzerland will continue to close during the festive period: restaurants must close from 7 pm, shops also on Sundays and holidays. Cantons can apply for special permits here if the contagion numbers are under control.
“The Federal Council wants to accommodate those cantons that have already been able to significantly reduce the number of cases. They could extend the curfew until 11 pm as long as the requirements are met, “Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga said Friday. One is aware that the measures go too far for some and not far enough for others. But there have been more calls for greater unity. The Federal Council wants to react to this.
Private gatherings of up to ten people are allowed, as well as sports for five. You can find all the details here.
Sommaruga talks about a critical situation
Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga says in Bundesbern: “Corona infections are increasing, we are in a critical situation. Instead of halving the number of new infections, they are increasing exponentially.”
Additional measures are needed and must now be done quickly. You can read more about it here.
The Federal Council rejects criticism of the unauthorized action
The Federal Council defended its decision to adopt stricter measures against the corona virus despite widespread criticism from the cantons and parliament. “As the Federal Council, we have a great responsibility to our country,” said Health Minister Alain Berset.
According to the Federal Council, a large majority of the cantons do not agree with the latest action taken by the state government. The National Council Health Commission (SGK-N) also warned Thursday to moderate. However, the Federal Council decided on Friday that the restrictions nationwide. All funds are here.
The Federal Council increases the program for difficult situations by 1.5 billion francs
The emergency program to help companies in the Crown crisis will be increased by 1,500 to 2,500 million francs. With this step, the Federal Council wants to cushion the new measures against the spread of the coronavirus.
Because companies would have to close due to the measures, it is necessary, according to a Federal Council statement on Friday, to expand the poverty program by another 1.5 billion francs. You can read all the background information here.
For restaurants, the federal government is examining an industrial solution, said Federal Councilor Maurer. In any case, the number of restaurants for the cantons is probably too high for a difficulty test. You can read all about it here.
Also for cultural workers
In addition, the Federal Council decided to direct not only cultural companies but also those working in the arts to request compensation for losses.
The Federal Council would also like to be able to regulate the requirements for the extraction of funds due to economic difficulties. This could relax the conditions for companies that may have to close for several months. All the details are there here.
Crown debts should be reduced without tax increases
In principle, it remains true that the crisis debts of the crown should be reduced without tax increases, said Finance Minister Ueli Maurer. But the Federal Council will definitely only decide this in a few months.
Extraordinary debts from the crown pandemic amounted to 20 billion francs at the end of the year, Maurer said. If we have to borrow more, it will too. You can find more information on this topic here.
Lockdown is still possible
The Federal Council adheres to the recommendation of two budgets. The ski slopes remain open because you ski in small groups or alone. But it is not an invitation to the rest of Europe to come skiing to Switzerland.
If the measures don’t help, the Federal Council plans to step up the measures even further. What that exactly means is still unclear, says Berset. The first thing to do is send the current measures for consultation and then analyze the situation. Cantons should also be consulted on the escalation mechanism. Details can be found here.
Now it’s important to stick to the rules, Berset emphasizes. A scenario similar to that of spring is also possible: “If you don’t adhere to it, the blockade will come.” The Federal Council had already announced Tuesday that it is threatening a shutdown if the situation does not improve by December 18.
It is also important to take care of each other, as it is difficult for many people in the pandemic. Because of the measures, but not least because of the deaths, Berset says: Many would have lost people close to them as a result of the pandemic. You can read all about it here.
Berset: Anyone who plays with the measures is putting everyone at risk
Health Minister Alain Berset takes note of people trying to circumvent the crown’s measures with tricks. “From the moment you start to play with the measures, we will no longer be able to cope with the situation.”
Everyone in this difficult situation must participate, Berset told the media in Bern on Friday. When people make fun of the rules, everyone is at risk. “What comes next? I really don’t know anymore.” Here you can read more about it.
The Minister of Health urges the population to persevere. “We always knew that the winter of 2021 would be difficult.”
