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The number of corona cases in the canton of Zurich briefly exceeded the limit set by the Federal Office of Public Health. The most important questions and answers.
How is the limit defined?
The Federal Office of Public Health defines risk areas as countries with 60 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in two weeks. People who have stayed in a country or area with a higher risk of infection and who enter Switzerland must be quarantined. The canton of Zurich exceeded the limit on Sunday. On Monday, however, the stock was back in the green.
How is the situation in the canton of Zurich?
The number of cases in the Canton of Zurich is increasing rapidly, especially among people aged 20 to 40. Positive tests in older people, by contrast, have been stuck at a low level for a long time. On Wednesday (August 26), the canton recorded a preliminary peak with 118 new infections in one day.
However, simply looking at the number of cases is not enough to assess the situation. The burden on the health system must also be analyzed. The number of people hospitalized is consistently low in the canton of Zurich, as in all of Switzerland. On Sunday (August 30), 21 infected people were hospitalized in the canton of Zurich. Five of them had to be aired.
The masks are mandatory in Zurich stores from Thursday.
How is the canton of Zurich facing the situation?
In the canton of Zurich, in addition to the requirement for a mask on public transport, since Thursday (August 27) there is also one in stores. Additionally, restaurants must record the contact details of their guests. The specifications regarding the maximum number of people have also been adjusted. No more than 300 people are allowed in all indoor and outdoor areas of restaurants, bars, and clubs; A maximum of 100 people can stay indoors, as long as consumption is not exclusively seated. The areas must be clearly separated. For indoor events with more than 100 people, a protection concept is required if the required distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained or face masks are not used.
Government spokesman Andreas Melchior said on request that no further measures are planned at this time. The governing council is assessing the situation together with special Covid-19 personnel.
How is the situation in the other cantons?
Currently the limit value has been exceeded in the cantons of Geneva and Friborg. In Freiburg there are more than 80 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in two weeks, in Geneva there are more than 65.
Geneva has stricter rules than Zurich. The use of a mask is mandatory in all stores and at the airport, and customers must disinfect their hands before entering. The canton already registered more than 100 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in two weeks at the beginning of August.
Private events with more than 100 guests have been banned in Geneva since August 18, unless all guests wear masks at all times or keep a safe distance. The clubs and discos will be closed until September 10. Bars with seating can remain open. Drinking standing up is not allowed. Bars, restaurants and individuals are also obliged to collect the contact details of their guests. The measures are initially in effect until September 30.
Are there countries for which the Canton of Zurich is considered a risk area?
Belgium has included the canton of Zurich on a warning list along with twelve other cantons for a few days. According to the kingdom’s “orange list”, greater vigilance is applied to affected areas. Specifically, Belgium recommends quarantine or a coronavirus test when entering the country. As the “Tages-Anzeiger” writes, as of Friday the Federal Office of Public Health was not aware of any other country that had declared individual cantons as risk areas.
Does leaving Switzerland via Zurich airport count as a stay in a risk zone?
That depends on whether individual countries include the canton of Zurich in their list of risk areas. The exact provisions of these countries are also decisive. Many differentiate between a longer stay and a pure departure. Belgium, for example, seems to handle it that way.
What are the consequences of the Canton of Zurich?
The district president Silvia Steiner (cvp.) Already warned in the press conference on Monday (August 24) of the drastic consequences for the economy, if Zurich is declared a risk zone. Government spokesman Andreas Melchior wrote on request: “As a major business and tourism location with an international airport, the canton of Zurich is generally severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.” The governing council assumes that a longer-term classification as a risk area, on the one hand, places an additional burden on the economy with significant business trips and tourism and, on the other hand, damages the image. However, this damage cannot be quantified at this time.
