The government of Vaud recently announced its plan for reopening college, known locally as gymnase. Compulsory school restarted across Switzerland on 11 May 2020. However, gymnase pupils, who are typically 15 or older, will have to wait until 8 June 2020 to return. Gymnase classes, which will start on 8 June and run until 3 […]
Coronavirus: the dangers of singing
As Switzerland reopens, the details around how SARS-CoV-2 spreads becomes more relevant to everyday life. Matthias Egger, the head of Switzerland’s Covid-19 task force, stresses the importance of continuing to follow social distancing and hygiene rules. However, the Swiss government’s recommended rule of staying two metres away from the next person might not be enough […]
Switzerland reopens 15 more international border points
During the coronavirus lockdown, Switzerland closed many of its international border crossings. As schools and more businesses open, the government is reopening more border points. However, cross-border movement remains restricted. From Monday 11 May 2020, the following additional border entry points into and out of Switzerland reopened: Geneva: Certoux, Chancy I, Croix-de-Rozon, Landecy Graubunden: SpiessJura: […]
Coronavirus: Switzerland’s anti-lockdown protests
Over the weekend, hundreds rallied against lockdown measures across Switzerland in the cities of Bern, Zurich, Basel and St. Gallen. Anti-lockdown protesters in these cities flouted rules introduced in mid-March banning public groups of more than five people, designed to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The protestors consider the rules in breach of […]
Recent testing suggests 9.7% of Geneva has had Covid-19
A third round of SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing by researchers at Geneva’s HUG hospital suggests 9.7% of the canton might have had Covid-19. Geneva currently has a crude fatality rate of 5.3%, based on the total number of people testing positive (5,031) and the recorded number of Covid-19 related deaths (269). The antibody testing programme, which […]
Most think Switzerland is reopening fast or too fast, according to survey
A survey published on 7 May 2020, suggests only 36% of Swiss support the government’s calendar for reopening the country after the Covid-19 shutdown. 23% think the plan to reopen is too slow, while 42% think it is fast or too fast. However, 60% said they had confidence in the government. The most controversial aspects […]
Coronavirus: risk of second wave real, says Swiss Covid task force chief
Interviewed on Swiss radio, Matthias Egger, the head of Switzerland’s Covid-19 task force, described the risk of a second as real, according to RTS. Switzerland’s population must continue with social distancing and hygiene, said Egger. Next Monday 11 May a number of establishments will be allowed to open, including schools, retailers and restaurants. All must […]
Swiss consumer sentiment at historic low, according to government survey
Consumer sentiment in Switzerland in April 2020 reached a historic low. The coronavirus has dampened expectations for general economic development and employment and the population is bracing itself for tough financial times, according to the survey. Swiss consumer sentiment fell from −9 points in January 2020 to −39 points in April 2020, a level well […]
Coronavirus: new rules for Switzerland’s restaurants
Restaurants in Switzerland will be able to reopen on Monday 11 May 2020. But they’ll need to follow strict rules that were published this week. The seven pages of detailed restaurant rules will make dining in the time of Covid-19 quite different to what we’re accustomed to. Rules put together by the industry and Switzerland’s […]
Unemployment up sharply in April in Switzerland
The unemployment rate in Switzerland rose to 3.3% in April 2020, up from 2.9% the month before, a rise of nearly 14%. By 30 April 2020, there were 153,413 people registered as unemployed at Switzerland’s regional placement offices. Young workers were the hardest hit. Unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 rose by 18.1% compared […]
