Switzerland lifts most COVID restrictions
Switzerland lifts most COVID restrictions. During a press conference on February 16, the Federal Council announced the latest steps towards relaxing COVID restrictions in Switzerland. According to ministers, Switzerland’s healthcare situation is encouraging, so most restrictions can be eliminated.
The majority of COVID certification and mask mandates have been scrapped by Switzerland
Ignazio Cassis told a press conference that Switzerland’s improved health care situation has made it possible to follow through on the proposals made two weeks ago. As a result, the council has chosen Variant 1 out of the two options, eliminating most restrictions, but specific rules would remain in some settings.
Here are the announcements:
Mask requirement and COVID certificate scrapped
Masks will no longer be required in shops, restaurants, publicly accessible facilities, businesses, and events starting February 17. In addition to masks, businesses such as cinemas, theatres, restaurants, and events will no longer need COVID certificates.
As well as the mask requirement in workplaces, the recommendation to work from home is revoked.
Private gatherings are no longer subject to contact restrictions.
All limits on private gatherings, retail sales, ski resorts and cable car capacities are abolished.
Swiss travel rules relaxed
Swiss-only certificates will be revoked, but ordinary Swiss COVID certificates will still be issued for travel if the destination country requires proof of vaccination. Switzerland no longer requires vaccinations, recovery certificates, or test certificates from visitors.
Remaining Restrictions Switzerland lifts most COVID restrictions
Public transportation and healthcare facilities like hospitals will require masks. According to the government, this is to protect the vulnerable.
To prevent the spread of Coronavirus, any individual positive for COVID needs to self-isolate for five days. However, depending on the epidemiological situation, these rules will likely phase out by the end of March. Each canton will be responsible for determining whether to impose more restrictions in the future.
In his remarks at the conference, Cassis said that it has been 23 months since the Swiss government declared an “extraordinary situation” regarding COVID, and now was the time for Switzerland to “take a decisive step.” He said that society needs to “find a new balance” where people can be respected if they wear masks.
Find all detailed information here. Switzerland lifts most COVID restrictions
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