Latest Updates On Corona Situation in Switzerland From 29th April

From 11th May

On 29th April the Government announced the following relaxation to the current rules from 11th May:

Schools for children of compulsory-school age will re-open
All shops and markets will re-open
Museums and libraries will re-open then
Restaurants will reopen for groups of four, as well as for families ie parents with children.
Sports training sessions will re-open
Public transport will go back to its normal timetable

From 8th June

From 8th June further relaxations to the rules are currently planned as follows:

Upper secondary and vocational schools will reopen
Universities and other higher education institutions will re-open
Gatherings of more than 5 people
Theatres and cinemas
Zoos and botanic gardens
Swimming pools
Religious services
Mountain transport services

Please note all the above measures are planned from 8th June provided nothing happens to require them to be reevaluated in the intervening period.

From End of May 2020

At the end of May, further decisions will be made about the possible lifting of bans on other entertainment and leisure facilities.

The government will also make a decision on when to allow large-scale events to take place again.

To protect staff during the phase-out of lockdown measures, employers must allow those at especially high risk to work from home or adapt the work environment and procedures. Those at high-risk can also refuse to work if they consider the risk to be too high and be entitled to leave with pay.

All major Swiss football and ice-hockey games have been called off, as has Zurich Open Air music festival and numerous local social, political and cultural events.

Swiss Post has reduced its services due to decreased international flights.

Hotels in Switzerland

Please note that hotels in Switzerland have been allowed to re-open their bars, bike rental outlets and spas, saunas and wellness facilities from the 24th April 2020 – but only for guests staying at the hotel, not for external visitors. Of course, these facilities also need to comply with the current social distancing and hygiene regulations.

For full information please consult the Swiss Federal Website here.

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Information Prior to 29th April

On 16th April Alain Berset announced on behalf of the Federal Council of Switzerland that hairdressers, beauty, nail, tattoo and massage salons, along with florists, DIY and garden centres and car washes will be re-opening from 27th April.

Hygiene measures will be in place in hairdressers to include the wearing of masks and in the DIY and garden centres social distancing will need to take place. Furthermore goods deemed “non essential” in shops will now be able to be sold.

An easing of hospital inpatient and outpatient medical procedures as well as dental, physiotherapy and and non urgent procedures will take place. Businesses which do not involve to a significant movement of people and minimal direct contact should also re-open.

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For full information please consult the Swiss Federal Website here.