These are the new crown rules at a glance – Switzerland

1. Clubs have to close

The Federal Council prohibits the operation of discos and dance halls. These would carry an increased risk of spreading the virus, the government writes in a statement.

2. curfew for restaurants and bars

In restaurants and bars, a maximum of four people can sit at a table. Families with children are exempt. There is a curfew from 11 pm to 6 am

3. Prohibition of events with more than 50 people

The event ban applies to all sporting, cultural and other events with more than 50 people. Parliamentary and community assemblies can still take place, as can demonstrations.

4. Mask requirement in office, dining room, and market

Now a mask must also be used in the outdoor areas of institutions and companies. The Federal Council cites shops, event venues, restaurants and bars or weekly and Christmas markets as examples. The mask requirement also applies in busy pedestrian areas and where the required distance cannot be maintained in public spaces.

A mask is now also required in upper secondary schools (for example, primary schools and technical secondary schools). It also applies to the workplace, unless the distance between workplaces (eg individual offices) can be maintained. The Federal Council also obliges employers: they must enable the home office to the extent possible and ensure the protection of employees in the workplace.

Since October 19, there is a mask requirement for all people in indoor public spaces, as well as in public transport waiting areas and at train stations and airports.

Children up to 12 years old and people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons are exempt from the mask requirement. Additionally, restaurant and bar guests can also remove their masks when sitting at the table. But not in the clubs and bars of Aargau: there, the mask can only be removed if something is consumed.

5. Leisure activities with a maximum of 15 people

A maximum of 15 people are allowed to participate in sports and cultural leisure activities indoors, but only if a sufficient distance is maintained and a mask is worn. However, with the mask, the Federal Council allows exceptions: “A mask can be dispensed with if there is generous space, for example, on tennis courts or in large halls.” Outdoors you just have to keep your distance.

Contact sports are prohibited. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the rules.

6. Groups of a maximum of ten people in private

The Federal Council states that many infections occurred in private. That is why it limits the number of people for private events with family and friends to ten people.

7. Lay choirs must keep silent

In the professional field of sport and culture, training and competitions, as well as rehearsals and appearances are allowed. Because many drops are emitted when singing, the Federal Council prohibits the occasions of amateur choirs. Professional choirs can rehearse.

8. Universities must switch to distance education

The Federal Council will prohibit universities from teaching face-to-face classes starting next Monday. This is still allowed in compulsory schools and upper secondary schools (grammar and vocational schools).

9. Short-time allowance for employees on request

People who work on call can now also apply for short-term work compensation. However, there are restrictions: employees must have a permanent employment contract and have worked at the company for at least six months. The changes are effective retrospectively from September 1. Therefore, it has secured a claim without interruption since March 2020, writes the Federal Council.

10. Introduction of rapid tests

Rapid antigen tests can be used starting next Monday. This allows for broader and faster tests of the population, according to the Federal Council. According to the Federal Council, rapid tests will be performed in doctor’s offices, hospitals and testing centers, as well as some pharmacies.

The accuracy of the rapid tests had been verified by the “Center national de Référence pour Emerging Viral Infections” (CRIVE) in Geneva. Rapid tests are less sensitive compared to the PCR test. They are especially useful when a person is infectious. Therefore, the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) only foresees the use of these rapid tests for people who show symptoms and who do not belong to particularly vulnerable people.

11. New limit for travel quarantine

The Federal Council is raising the threshold that determines whether a country is on the quarantine list or not. This is because the number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days is lower in most countries than in Switzerland. Starting Thursday, only states and areas with an incidence more than 60 higher than Switzerland will be added to the list.

Due to the new limit, the list is much shorter. It also includes the countries Andorra, Armenia, Belgium and the Czech Republic. Anyone traveling to Switzerland from these countries has to be quarantined for ten days. In France, the Hauts-de-France and ÎIe de France / Paris regions, as well as the overseas territory of French Polynesia are also considered risk areas.

12. The decisions of the Federal Council in the original document.

201028_MM BR _Covid-19 measures 2nd wave of.pdf

The Federal Office of Public Health has also answered possible frequently asked questions about the measures:

201028_FAQ Measurements_DE.pdf