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It seemed silent for a while. The number of new infections increased, but no further action was taken. But now that the number of cases is increasing dramatically, the spiral is turning again: on Wednesday, the cantons of Bern and Zug announced the introduction of a mask requirement in stores, followed by Ticino on Thursday. Further tightening could follow in other cantons.
Because the trend is pointing up, almost everywhere. Across Switzerland, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reported more than a thousand cases on Thursday for the second time in a row – 1,172 to be precise. That’s twice as much as a week earlier.
The latest BAG status report shows that virtually all cantons recorded more corona cases: Last week, the number of cases in all cantons except Appenzell Innerrhoden and Obwalden increased compared to the previous week, the BAG writes. Several cantons doubled, or even more, such as Zurich, Basel-Stadt, St. Gallen, Thurgau and Ticino.
Ticino disconnects the nightlife
However, Ticino remains one of the least affected cantons. However, you are now tightening the screw, probably due to the first wave experience. Ticino is the third canton after Geneva and Vaud to close nightclubs; A mask requirement is also introduced in stores.
Health Director Raffaele De Rosa said that according to RSI, the new measures are necessary to protect the health of the population and the economy. District president Norman Gobbi has already announced: “If the measures are not enough, more will be implemented.”
Twelve cantons have introduced a requirement to wear a mask when shopping, including Zurich, Basel-Stadt and Solothurn, as well as all of western Switzerland. In some cantons there are also restrictions on events, restaurants or clubs, for example a limited number of people.
“If the trend continues, we will examine the measures”
If new infections continue to increase, other cantons are likely to tighten the screw. For example, it is said from Appenzell Ausserrhoden: “If the trend continues in the next few days, we will examine the measures as soon as possible.” Other cantons want to analyze the situation next week and take action if necessary, such as Graubünden and St. Gallen.
However, St. Gallen is skeptical about the requirement for masks in stores: that’s “one of many options”, says Thomas Zuberbühler of the St. Gallen State Chancellery: “Currently, we are seeing virtually no infections It goes back to a visit to a store. “
Bern health director Pierre Alain Schnegg said this week that most infections occur in private rooms and at work. However, a mask requirement in stores makes sense, due to the “educational effect”, so Schnegg. In other words: the mask is a reminder that the pandemic is sadly not over.
