There are two kinds of masks used in hospital settings. Surgical masks, which mainly protect those around the wearer, and respirator masks, which also protect the wearer. These two categories of masks must meet different standards. Then there are non-medical fabric masks. Surgical masks Surgical masks largely protect others – one-way rather than two-way protection. The […]
Coronavirus: Switzerland seems to be fending off potential second wave
The number of recorded Covid-19 cases in Switzerland has declined over the last 12 days. Over the most recent 14 days, the number of recorded cases per 100,000 in Switzerland was 59, below the figure of 60 used by the Swiss health authorities to define a region as high risk. 12 days ago on 20 […]
Voters in Geneva accept minimum wage initiative
A majority of voters in Geneva accepted a plan to set a minimum wage of CHF 23 per hour (US$ 24.77). 58.15% of voters in the canton were in favour of the minimum wage plan, which previously only covered domestic workers. Two earlier votes on the subject were rejected by the canton’s voters. Unions argued […]
Swiss voters reject changes to wildlife hunting laws
Today, Swiss voters voted on whether to make it easier to hunt wolves and other wild animals. Based on the latest vote count a majority of Swiss voters (51.92%) have rejected plans to change Switzerland’s hunting rules. As many predicted, majorities in cantons in mountainous regions of Switzerland with a high percentages of farmers in […]
Swiss voters accept new fighter jets by thin margin
Today, Swiss voters voted on whether to spend CHF 6 billion on a new fleet of military jets to replace its ageing fleet of McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets. With 50.15% of voters in favour of the purchase and 49.85% against it, the margin was narrow. Polls just before the vote suggested 58% would vote in […]
Swiss voters reject higher tax deductions for children and childcare
Today, Swiss voters voted on whether to end accept a government plan to increase tax deduction for children and childcare. Switzerland’s Federal Council and Parliament decided to increase the per child deduction from CHF 6,500 to CHF 10,000 and the maximum allowance for money spent on childcare outside the family from CHF 10,100 to CHF […]
Swiss voters accept 2 weeks of paternity leave
Today, Swiss voters voted on whether to accept a plan to offer two weeks of paternity leave funded by an increase in salary taxes. Based on the latest vote count a majority of Swiss voters (60.32%) have accepted this initiative. The canton of Vaud had the highest majority in favour of the plan (81.64%). Geneva […]
Swiss voters reject ending EU agreement on free movement
Today, Swiss voters voted on whether to end Switzerland’s agreement with the EU on the free movement of people. Based on the latest vote count a majority of Swiss voters (61.69%) have rejected this initiative. Only the cantons of Schwyz (53.36% yes), Glarus (50.47% yes), Appenzell Innerrhoden (54.29% yes) and Ticino (53.14% yes) had majorities […]
Referendum: higher tax deductions for children and childcare
In Switzerland, parents can claim tax allowances for their children. Currently they can deduct CHF 6,500 for each child plus up to CHF 10,100 per child for money spent on childcare from their federal tax calculation. Residents of Switzerland pay three layers of tax: federal, cantonal and municipal. These particular deductions apply only to federal […]
Referendum: whether to make it easier to hunt wolves
Switzerland has laws to protect wild animals. The current rules were introduced in 1986 when there were no wolves. In 1995, wolves started to return to Switzerland. By 2019, there were 80 wolves living in Switzerland and in some places packs have formed. Wolves have attacked sheep and goats and been seen near villages, something […]
