Switzerland to Ease Restrictions as Pandemic Gets Close to End

New Normal

                Switzerland was one of the mostly affected countries by the coronavirus pandemic in Switzerland, but in recent weeks number of infections are lower. Now, there is only around 20 cases per day. This gives basis to put the extraordinary situation to the end and start a “new normal”. This also means powers will be headed back to cantons, though the parliament would still be deciding what are the coronavirus restrictions. The question is now how businesses and employees will be protected in times of crisis that comes after the lockdown. In Switzerland, apart from coronavirus, the overvalued CHF exchange rate is what is additionally hurting the economy.

Free Movement of People

                By July 6 the free movement of people will be restored in the Schengen area. From June 8 Swiss companies will be able to recruit employees – like cross-border workers – from the European Union, EFTA and third countries, but only under certain conditions. Borders with Austria, France and Germany will be opened for tourism and visits due to professional purposes, for instance job visits or commuting to work for cross-border workers. But the border to Italy won’t be opened just yet, though contacts are being maintained to reach a common stance on when Swiss-Italian border can be opened.

Gatherings, Older People And Employees

                From May 30 in Switzerland gatherings of people up to 30 are allowed on football matches or picnics. From June 6 gatherings in public of people up to 300 people will be allowed, as well as all tourism, leisure activities, including theaters, zoos, swimming pools, cinema, campsites, group excursions will be opened. Rules will changed for restaurants with numbers of people sitting at the table no longer limited to four, however with more people seated, there is a necessity to leave back a contact at the restaurant, so tracing is possible just in case. Also, still tables must be located two metres from each other. Federal government says it is too early to allow event of more than 1,000 people – sch gathering can be resumed at earliest from end of August. Rules are no longer applied to older, vulnerable people, which can now resume social life or see their families. Whereas when it comes to employees at risk, they are advised to continue working from home and use protection measures.

Cantons to Decide

                The Conference of cantonal governments is pleased that as of June 19 it is up to cantons to decide what measures need to be implied on a regional level to keep fighting the coronavirus pandemic. According to the conference, cantons are very capable of baring this responsibility, and also the epidemiological situation is different in each canton, which is why dealing with the measures on a national level is not suitable anymore.