Federal Council with further pandemic measures
In a multi-stage process, the Federal Council wants to quickly improve the Corona situation. At the meeting on December 11, the government intends to standardize and tighten the national measures. If the situation continues to deteriorate, further measures are to be added on December 18.
The epidemiological situation has changed in the last few days. further deteriorated. The number of infections is high and rising again, and the beds in the intensive care units continue to be heavily utilized. The reproduction value for the end of November is above 1; on average, therefore, 100 infected persons infect more than 100 other persons. Thus, case numbers are again increasing exponentially. In addition, the trend has also reversed in western Switzerland; the numbers are falling much less rapidly than a few days ago. The increasing cold and bad weather are likely to have accelerated the incidence of infection.
Talks with cantons with unfavorable development
The Federal Council is extremely concerned about the development. After the Federal Council meeting on December 4, the President of the Confederation and the head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs sought discussions with those cantons that show an unfavorable epidemiological development. The majority of these share the concerns of the Federal Council. They also see the situation as problematic and point out in particular that the staff in hospitals and homes is exhausted.
Further measures and consultation
Various cantons have taken or announced measures in recent days. The Federal Council wants to standardize and strengthen these. At its meeting on December 11, it will therefore decide on further measures that will apply from Saturday, December 12, until January 20, 2021. It is submitting the following proposals to the cantons in a consultation:
- Catering establishments, shopping stores and markets, recreational businesses and sports activities must close at 7 p.m. and remain closed on Sundays.
- For private events, a maximum number of 5 people from two households applies. Excluded are celebrations up to 10 people from 24 to 26 December and on 31 December.
- Public events are banned with the exception of religious celebrations as well as legislative gatherings.
- All cultural activities (including school activities) are prohibited. Events in the professional field with an audience will be prohibited, except for events broadcast online without an audience.
If the situation deteriorates further in the coming week, the Federal Council plans to adopt more far-reaching measures, such as the closure of catering establishments and stores, at its meeting on December 18.
Examine compensation for the most affected industries
The Federal Council has instructed the FDF, in cooperation with the EAER, the FDHA and the FDJP (FOJ), to examine measures for possible compensation for the sectors most affected and to submit corresponding proposals to the Federal Council by 18 December 2020. The Federal Council will hold an initial discussion on this on 11 December 2020.
Source: BAG
