Switzerland is expensive. The prices of certain items, such as some meats and dairy products are kept especially high by a combination of trade tariffs and import restrictions. A lack of retail competition further adds to prices generally. For some, shopping across the border is the preferred way to avoid high Swiss prices. Around CHF […]
Covid tests to remain free for Geneva’s students
Last week, the Federal Council mandated Covid certificates for entry into universities and other tertiary educational institutions, catching many by surprise. For the unvaccinated or unrecovered the only way to obtain a Covid certificate is by testing. But test-based Covid certificates expire quickly requiring tests to be regularly repeated. This is a hassle but currently […]
Swiss women may soon join men to guard the Pope
Plans are reportedly afoot to include women in the currently all-male Swiss papal guard. Swiss women could be on guard from 2027 if the plan is ratified by the Pope, according to RTS. The move, which would be seen as symbolic, would also address the shortage of candidates. It is a decision that has been […]
Swiss health insurers to refund 300 million francs
Switzerland’s largest health insurers are poised to refund around CHF 300 million to policy holders, reported RTS. Switzerland’s health insurers have reserves of roughly CHF 12 billion, around 2 times the minimum reserve requirement, and have been under pressure from the government to return the money to policy holders. This week Switzerland’s parliament decided to […]
Commission alarmed by the state of Switzerland’s soil
Ultimately, the plants we eat are made up of energy from the sun and compounds and elements extracted from the soil. Meat, eggs and diary are the same, just one step removed. This means the availability and nutritional value of food is heavily dependent on healthy soil. A recently released commission report raises the alarm […]
Covid: new cases, hospitalisations and deaths down this week in Switzerland
This week, 15,024 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Switzerland, down 22% from the 19,237 recorded the week before. This week there were 31 recorded Covid-19 deaths compared to 44 the week before. The number hospitalised also fell from 327 to 238, a drop of 27%. However, delays in reporting mean recent hospitalisation data could be revised upwards. Last […]
Entry into Switzerland more difficult from 20 September
On 17 September 2021, the Federal Council announced new testing and administrative requirements for entering Switzerland. The move comes at a time of concern over the impact of approaching cold weather and autumn holidays on the spread of the virus. Last year, the number of Covid-19 patients in Swiss hospitals rose sharply in October. At […]
Three-day art exhibition in Lausanne a must-see
Connus & Inconnus, a three-day art exhibition in Lausanne is a must-see. Does a good painting encourage and challenge our thinking, increase our curiosity and stimulate our emotions? If you’re like me and buy art to trigger your senses, to explore self and to satisfy a love of form and beauty, then Connus & Inconnus, […]
Health expert recommends Covid certificates for Swiss ski lifts
Lukas Engelberger, head of the association of cantonal health directors, has recommended making Covid certificates compulsory for riding on Swiss ski lifts, reported Le Nouvelliste. According to Engelberger, requiring Covid passes to access ski lifts would remove the need to wear masks and make people feel safer. In any case most skiers are likely to […]
Number of vacant homes in Switzerland drops for first time in 12 years
Finding a place to live in Switzerland is difficult. Home availability is low and prices are high. On 13 September 2021, the Federal Statistical Office published data showing a sharp drop in the number of vacant homes since 2020, a development that will make home hunting harder. On 1 June 2021, there were 71,365 vacant […]
