The Swiss Trade Association, an organisation representing Switzerland’s small and medium sized businesses (SME) reiterated on Wednesday that it rejects the upcoming referendum aimed at ending Switzerland’s agreement with the EU on the free movement of workers between Switzerland and the bloc. The referendum, known as the Limitation Initiative, will be put to Swiss voters […]
Switzerland’s anti-noise initiatives spark anger
Last weekend, hundreds of motorcyclists protested in Bern over two parliamentary initiatives aimed at silencing their bikes. According to Le Matin, between 200 and 300 motorcyclists assembled to protest after calls were sent out via social media. The proposed laws would ban motorcycles emitting more than 95 decibels from Swiss roads. 95 decibels is around […]
Coronavirus: Swiss health authority adds pregnant women to risk list
After a number of recent studies that suggest pregnant women are exposed to higher risks from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) adds them to the list people vulnerable to Covid-19. The FOPH reached its recent conclusion based on discussions with the Swiss society of gynaecology and obstetrics. The society sets […]
Coronavirus: Geneva closes nightclubs
Last Friday, the authorities in Geneva announced nightclubs must close immediately as part of a plan to stem the recent rise in the number of new SARS-CoV-2 infections. On 22 June 2020, after a period of consistently low new infections, Switzerland’s federal government decided to ease restrictions across the country. However, the cantonal authorities in […]
Beaches closed in Neuchâtel after dogs die from poisoning
At least six dogs have died after being poisoning on the edge of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, according to RTS. The local police force closed beaches between the town of Colombier (NE) and the mouth of the Areuse river after several dogs died. Swimming is now banned in the area. The exact area covered by […]
Swiss incomes could end up more than 1,700 francs lower due to Covid-19
Covid-19 is forecast to hit personal incomes by a total of around CHF 15 billion both this year and in 2021, according to the Basel-based research institute BAK Economics, reported Le Matin. Spread across Switzerland’s 8.6 million residents this comes out at around CHF 1,740 per person and CHF 2,830 per worker. BAK Economics expects […]
New immigrants trust Swiss institutions more than natives
A higher percentage of first generation immigrants in Switzerland say they trust Switzerland’s institutions than native Swiss, according to a recently published report from Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office looking at integration. Of the first generation immigrants questioned, 55% said they trusted political institutions, 63% said they trusted the judiciary and 72% said they trusted the […]
Masks now compulsory at Geneva Airport
This week, Geneva Airport made it compulsory for anyone entering its buildings to wear a face mask. The new rule applies to everyone entering the building, not only staff and passengers. In addition, hands must be disinfected upon entry. Those arriving without a mask can buy one from mask distributors at the airport. The new […]
Temperature could hit 38 degrees in Geneva
The heat wave sweeping across parts of Switzerland is expected to last through Saturday, according to Météo Swiss. Certain regions including Geneva, Nyon, much of the canton of Valais and nearly all of the canton of Ticino could experience temperatures as high as 38 degrees, according to Switzerland’s weather service. The meteorological service issued a […]
Referendum launched against SwissCovid app
A group in Switzerland has decided to launch a vote against Switzerland’s contact tracing app, an application designed to make it easier to know whether someone has been in contact with someone infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. On 25 June 2020, Switzerland’s contact tracing app, known as SwissCovid, became available for download. Created by a […]
